At least 94 people have died in the devastating high-rise fire that ravaged a residential complex in Tai Po, Hong Kong, with dozens still missing and presumed trapped inside.
The investigation into the disaster is ongoing, with officials scrutinizing whether safety standards were met on exterior walls. According to Security Secretary Chris Tang, two "unusual" circumstances warrant a criminal probe. Firstly, the protective materials used on external walls did not meet fire-retardant standards, allowing the blaze to spread at an alarming rate once ignited.
Glass windows were sealed with styrofoam boards, which are notorious for spreading fire when exposed to heat. The intense and rapid spread of the fire was a major factor in the high casualty count.
Among those who lost their lives was 37-year-old firefighter Ho Wai-ho, one of the first responders on the scene. He died at the hospital after collapsing from injuries sustained during the rescue efforts.
The victims, many of whom were foreign domestic helpers employed by Hong Kong residents, have left families and friends in shock around the world. Countries including the US and Indonesia offered condolences, with the U.S. consul general stating that his thoughts are with the "victims, their families, and all those affected" by the disaster.
Chinese President Xi Jinping urged authorities to take "all-out efforts" to minimize casualties and losses in Hong Kong, a densely populated city of 7.5 million people. The Pope also expressed condolences, saying he is sending "spiritual solidarity" to those suffering from the fire's effects.
The investigation into the disaster is ongoing, with officials scrutinizing whether safety standards were met on exterior walls. According to Security Secretary Chris Tang, two "unusual" circumstances warrant a criminal probe. Firstly, the protective materials used on external walls did not meet fire-retardant standards, allowing the blaze to spread at an alarming rate once ignited.
Glass windows were sealed with styrofoam boards, which are notorious for spreading fire when exposed to heat. The intense and rapid spread of the fire was a major factor in the high casualty count.
Among those who lost their lives was 37-year-old firefighter Ho Wai-ho, one of the first responders on the scene. He died at the hospital after collapsing from injuries sustained during the rescue efforts.
The victims, many of whom were foreign domestic helpers employed by Hong Kong residents, have left families and friends in shock around the world. Countries including the US and Indonesia offered condolences, with the U.S. consul general stating that his thoughts are with the "victims, their families, and all those affected" by the disaster.
Chinese President Xi Jinping urged authorities to take "all-out efforts" to minimize casualties and losses in Hong Kong, a densely populated city of 7.5 million people. The Pope also expressed condolences, saying he is sending "spiritual solidarity" to those suffering from the fire's effects.
I'm still trying to process this devastating tragedy in Tai Po, Hong Kong... The fact that a fire broke out in a residential complex and spread so quickly is just heartbreaking 
. It's like, what went wrong? Were those safety standards really met on the exterior walls? I don't know if we can ever truly know until the investigation is done 
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. That's just not right. The victims... oh my god, many were foreign domestic helpers who left families and friends behind in shock around the world 
. I'm so glad countries like the US and Indonesia offered condolences - it shows we care about our people, no matter where they're from 
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. We need to make sure all these safety measures are in place so that everyone can feel safe in their homes 
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i mean, have you seen the footage of the styrofoam boards on the windows? that was always gonna be a fire hazard... and dont even get me started on how many buildings in hk are older than 20 yrs with outdated safety features. so lets not jump to conclusions & start a witch hunt 
just saw this news about that fire in Hong Kong and it's absolutely devastating... like 94 people dead and dozens more missing 
. And a firefighter died trying to save others? That's heartbreaking 
this fire is literally insane! like how did it spread so fast? and what's with these styrofoam boards they're literally spreading the fire 
i feel bad for all the victims, especially that firefighter Ho Wai-ho he was trying to save ppl and ended up losing his life 
. the fact that many of them were foreign domestic helpers just makes it even more heartbreaking 
. And the fact that two "unusual" circumstances warrant a criminal probe... well, that's just a huge red flag 
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. The city needs a lot of support right now - from authorities, from international aid organizations, and most importantly from our collective compassion 
the styrofoam boards being a major contributor to the spread of the fire is just mind-blowing what kinda precautions were taken before allowing something like that to happen? anyway my heart goes out to those families and friends, cant imagine how hard it must be for them 
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... and the fact that two people lost their lives trying to save others is just devastating 
It's just so frustrating when something like this happens and you can't help but wonder if there are more systemic issues at play... like, was this an isolated incident or was it a warning sign of deeper problems? 
I mean, I've seen some dodgy construction jobs in my day, but this is just insane. And to think it spread so fast, it's like it had a mind of its own... Anyway, condolences to the families and friends back home. It's heartbreaking to see people from all over the world rallying around those affected 
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