The devastating fire that engulfed the Wang Fuk Court apartment complex in Hong Kong has left a trail of destruction, claiming over 150 lives and counting. Paul Chow, who spent more than 30 years in the now-ruined complex before moving to Toronto, is struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.
“For Paul Chow, the scenes of destruction are almost unbearable. The place I once called home is now reduced to ashes,” Chow expressed. “It’s hard to believe this happened in Hong Kong; it feels surreal, like a scene from a movie.”
The fire, which started last Wednesday and blazed through the complex for two days, was fueled by flammable materials from renovation works, causing extensive damage to seven towers. The authorities have confirmed over 150 fatalities, with several individuals still unaccounted for, making it the deadliest fire in the region in a century.
Amidst the tragedy, questions about accountability and transparency loom large. Police and anti-corruption authorities have made 14 arrests in connection with the multi-million dollar renovation project linked to the fire, raising suspicions of manslaughter and negligence.
Andy Wong, president of Canada-Hong Kong Link, insists on an independent inquiry to uncover the root causes of the disaster. “We need answers. An independent investigation is crucial to understand the failures in the system and to determine if any criminal wrongdoing was involved,” Wong emphasized.
Despite the heartbreak, there is a glimmer of relief for Chow as his family members, who still reside in one of the towers, were unharmed during the fire. A sense of unity and support is emerging within the Hong Kong community in Toronto, as they prepare to gather for a local event to mourn the loss and push for justice.