The residential building fire in Hong Kong is regarded as the worst in the recent history of the country. The flames were so intense that firefighters battled it for two days, and 65 casualties have been confirmed. Smoke from the Wang Fuk Court complex, where the buildings caught fire, continues.
The high-rise cluster where thousands of people lived in Tai Po district, to the North of Hong Kong, caught fire, creating havoc in the region. John Lee, the Hong Kong leader, confirmed that contact with over 279 people has been lost and rescue teams are continuing search operations in several towers where people are reported to be trapped. The firefighting team has been trying to control the fire since Wednesday afternoon.
The fire began from the bamboo scaffolding and the construction netting, later spreading to seven of the eight buildings in the complex. Authorities confirmed that the fire in four buildings has been completely reduced, while in three, the efforts are still ongoing. 900 people have been removed from the complex and shifted to temporary shelters, while 70 were injured. One firefighter was among those who succumbed to the fire.
Recent investigations showed that construction material played an important role in the fast spread of the fire. Authorities have also arrested three engineers in the case of manslaughter, as described by the media. The report by Associated Press also revealed that Styrofoam was found attached to the windows of the unaffected buildings, showing its use in the building’s renovation.
Styrofoam is made from polystyrene, which is a plastic made from petroleum. Though it has wide usage in construction and the food industry, the material is banned from the European Union for being carcinogenic and non-biodegradable. A key feature of Styrofoam is its ignition at relatively low temperatures. While it burns, it produces black smoke and fumes consisting of poisonous gases like Carbon monoxide. Due to its lightweight and higher air pocket, it also spreads quickly when burnt.
Although in-depth analysis is still ongoing, initial reports suggest a possible mishap due to this material triggering the violent flames that engulfed many innocents, including women and children.
