Hong Kong's Aging Community Faces a Tragic Fire

A High-Rise Tragedy

A devastating fire has engulfed a high-rise apartment complex in Hong Kong, claiming at least 128 lives and leaving over 200 people missing. The complex, Wang Fuk Court, was home to many elderly residents, with more than a third of its inhabitants over the age of 65.

The blaze started on a Wednesday evening, turning lives upside down in an instant.

A Mother's Last Message

Chris Wong received a message from her 72-year-old mother just hours before the tragedy. The message was a simple reminder to stay warm. Little did she know, it would be the last message she would receive from her mother.

Wong's mother, who had trouble walking due to bad joints, was alone on the 21st floor when the fire broke out. Despite Wong's desperate attempts to reach her mother, there was only silence.

A Narrow Escape

Not everyone was as unfortunate. Chim, a woman in her late 60s, managed to escape with her husband. She was watching television when she heard a commotion outside. Looking out, she saw the bamboo scaffolding in the next block ablaze. Sparks were floating towards her building in the wind.

"Fire! Quick, get out!" she recalled her neighbours shouting. She grabbed some cash and her walking stick before taking the elevator down to safety.

Aging Infrastructure and Safety Concerns

The apartments, built in 1983, were part of an affordable housing scheme. Around 37% of the 4,643 residents in the complex are now aged 65 or above. Residents had complained about fire hazards posed by the renovation works. Some flagged the difficulty elderly residents would face escaping if an accident occurred. Others pointed out that the foam panels covering the windows would leave many elderly, alone and immobile, in darkness.

Arrests and Investigations

Police have arrested three construction company officials on suspicion of manslaughter for using unsafe materials. The company has not responded to requests for comment. The Independent Commission Against Corruption arrested eight others on Friday.

Families in Mourning

David Ho's 73-year-old ex-wife and his son are also among the missing. The last he heard from his son was on November 20, the son's birthday, when he wrote back "thanks dad". Ho, a 75-year-old pensioner, said he feels very sad and lost.

Michelle Liu, a volunteer counsellor, spent much of the day offering support to families and the many elderly people impacted by the disaster. She said that the people here feel a little bit lost at the moment, especially the people that she talked to.

Survivors and the Aftermath

Some elderly residents queued at a medical station in a shelter for fresh supplies of medication. Others stocked up on free supplies offered by volunteers, including clothes and bedsheets.

Chris Wong said she stood for six hours just staring helplessly at the burning building and trying to reach her mother. Her father, who was out when the tragedy struck, added:

"We have heard nothing. We have to slowly accept the reality."