Overwhelmed HK Residents Stunned as Large-Scale Blaze Engulfs Apartment Blocks
"Approaching the scene, the heat increases and you can feel it, with the fumes being particularly dense."
Young scholar Thomas Liu was among the countless individuals attracted to the location of a deadly fire that ravaged much of the multi-block housing complex in Hong Kong's northern district.
At least thirty-six people have perished in yesterday's destructive blaze to date, with many still not located, indicating that this figure will possibly increase.
"It's a tragedy," Thomas stated about the incident, adding that he had seen a body being transported from the location.
Over a 1,000 additional people were required to vacate the development as the blaze expanded, with several making their way to temporary shelters that have been organized to shelter them.
The blaze is slowly being managed, but authorities report they do not know when it will be completely extinguished.
Blazes could be seen emanating from separate homes as countless residents looked on in stillness.
"I am devastated. There are so many neighbours and friends. I do not know what is occurring now. See, all the apartments are just burning. I cannot determine what to accomplish. I hope the government can assist us to find stability after this."
One woman mentioned that her friends live inside the building and she was remaining to discover if they were able to escape.
Harry Cheung, who has resided in building number two of the residential estate for over 40 years, recalled perceiving "a tremendous explosion" and observing flames erupt in a nearby structure.
"I quickly went inside to pack up my belongings," the elderly inhabitant commented.
"I cannot comprehend how I personally currently. I'm just pondering about where I'm going to stay this evening because I probably cannot go return to my home."
Although the source of the inferno that engulfed the multiple high-rise blocks continues to be unknown, the flames are thought to have spread quickly through the construction framework that covered the structures, which were in the process of renovations.
Numerous people have voiced anger that such a large-scale fire could have occurred and criticised the reaction.
"In cases where there's a wildfire, they will employ choppers and release fire retardant, but why is there zero response and how can they allow further buildings on fire?" inquired a different resident of Wang Fuk Court.
"The community is so near to the fire department and we thought the fire could be extinguished rapidly, but presently the fire has spread. I'm so disheartened," she added.
She noted that she had been provided minimal direction from the government on where to obtain assistance.
Several area inhabitants had brought necessities to the victims - comprising numerous of coverings and thermal aids.
Upon questioning about their feelings regarding the tragedy, inhabitants voiced that "the government is incompetent" and that they were "immensely heartbroken".
"We hope not to experience any additional casualties," remarked a resident.
An elderly lady who dwells in one of the affected structures stated she was absent when the blaze ignited but that she is anxious about her apartment because it is without coverage.
"I'm profoundly upset that I have no residence to return to now," she remarked.
