A frantic search for survivors continues in Hong Kong after a catastrophic fire engulfed the Wang Fuk Court housing estate, leaving at least 94 people dead and dozens injured. The blaze, which tore through seven of eight high-rise towers, is the city's worst in more than seven decades, prompting urgent questions about building safety regulations.

The fire, which began on Wednesday afternoon, spread with terrifying speed, fanned by winds and fuelled by bamboo scaffolding and plastic sheeting encasing the buildings for renovations. For many Kenyan families living in increasingly dense high-rise apartments in cities like Nairobi and Mombasa, this tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers when safety standards are compromised.

Negligence Probe Launched

Hong Kong police have arrested three executives from a construction company, Prestige Construction and Engineering, on suspicion of manslaughter. Authorities allege that non-compliant, highly flammable materials, including styrofoam, were used in the renovation, contributing to the uncontrollable spread of the fire. "We have reason to believe that the company's responsible parties were grossly negligent," noted police superintendent Eileen Chung.

The city's anti-corruption agency has also launched a probe into the HK$330 million (approx. KES 5.5 billion) renovation project. This resonates with ongoing concerns in Kenya regarding the integrity of building inspections and the use of substandard materials in the booming construction sector.

The Human Cost

The Wang Fuk Court complex, home to nearly 4,800 residents, was a scene of chaos and despair as firefighters battled the inferno for over 24 hours. Many of the residents were elderly, making evacuation even more challenging.

• Fatalities: At least 94 people have been confirmed dead, including 37-year-old firefighter Ho Wai-ho.
• Injured: More than 70 people were hospitalised, including 11 firefighters.
• Displaced: Around 900 residents have been moved to temporary shelters.

A City in Mourning

Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has ordered a comprehensive investigation and inspections of all housing estates undergoing similar renovations. He announced a relief fund of HK$300 million (approx. KES 5 billion) to support the affected families. The tragedy has drawn comparisons to London's 2017 Grenfell Tower fire, where combustible cladding was blamed for the rapid spread of the blaze that killed 72 people.

As Hong Kong grieves, the fire at Wang Fuk Court stands as a grim warning. For Kenyans, it underscores the critical importance of rigorous enforcement of building codes and the life-or-death consequences of cutting corners on construction safety. The hope is that lessons learned from this tragedy will spur action to prevent a similar disaster from happening closer to home.