Devastated HK Locals in Disbelief as Major Inferno Ravages Housing Blocks
"Approaching the area, the temperature increases and you can experience it, with the fumes being very thick."
Young scholar Thomas Liu was among the countless residents drawn to the site of a tragic inferno that engulfed much of the multi-block housing complex in the city's Tai Po area.
At least thirty-six residents have lost their lives in yesterday's catastrophic inferno to date, with many still missing, suggesting that this figure will possibly rise.
"We're facing a tragedy," the student commented about the blaze, adding that he had seen a victim being taken away from the area.
More than a 1,000 other residents were required to evacuate the development as the flames expanded, with many going to emergency shelters that have been organized to accommodate them.
The blaze is gradually being controlled, but emergency responders state they are uncertain when it will be entirely put out.
Fire could be witnessed coming from individual units as numerous people observed in stillness.
"I am devastated. We have so many neighbors and acquaintances. I have no idea what is occurring any longer. Look, all the homes are just on fire. I cannot determine what to accomplish. I hope the local administration can assist us to rebuild after this."
A female resident mentioned that her friends dwell inside the building and she was staying to hear if they managed to get out.
Harry Cheung, who has lived in block two of the housing complex for in excess of forty annums, described listening to "a very loud noise" and witnessing fire break out in a adjacent structure.
"I immediately went back to collect my possessions," the 66-year-old resident remarked.
"I cannot comprehend how I feel at this moment. I'm just pondering about where I'm going to stay this evening because I probably won't be able to go return to my home."
Although the cause of the blaze that engulfed the numerous tall buildings continues to be unknown, the flames are believed to have rapidly expanded through the construction framework that covered the buildings, which were experiencing improvements.
Several residents have voiced anger that such a significant incident could have happened and criticised the emergency measures.
"In cases where there's a forest fire, they will employ helicopters and release fire retardant, but why is there not any deployment and how can they allow additional structures on fire?" questioned a different resident of the complex.
"The community is so proximate to the emergency response center and we believed the blaze could be controlled quickly, but presently the fire has advanced. I'm so disappointed," she added.
The resident stated that she had been given minimal direction from the local administration on where to find assistance.
Multiple area community members had brought essentials to the affected individuals - consisting of numerous of blankets and thermal aids.
When asked about their sentiments regarding the blaze, inhabitants stated that "authorities is unprepared" and that they were "immensely heartbroken".
"We hope not to witness any additional fatalities," said one.
An elderly female who resides in one of the impacted structures mentioned she was away when the fire started but that she is anxious about her apartment because it is not insured.
"I'm extremely upset that I have no home to go to now," she added.
