Hong Kong Fire Reveals Severe Vulnerability, John Lee Faces Major Crisis

The fire in Hong Kong is now under control, but the extent of the disaster is shocking. (Video Screenshot)

[People News] On November 26, a five-alarm fire at Hong Fu Court in Tai Po, Hong Kong, resulted in 75 deaths and nearly 300 people missing, devastating countless families. The destruction caused by this fire is alarming and marks the most severe fire incident in Hong Kong in decades. Occurring just before the Legislative Council elections, this incident has posed the most significant political challenge for Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu since he took office. Some netizens believe that this fire has become a disaster that has attracted international attention, diminishing the reputation of this once-great international metropolis.

Malfunctioning Alarm System Hinders Escape for the Elderly

According to Bloomberg, many residents were trapped on high floors with no escape route when the fire broke out. Ms Fong, 40, expressed her sorrow, stating that the last time she spoke to her 70-year-old mother was at 8 PM on Wednesday. At that time, her mother was hiding in the bathroom on the 27th floor with a 50-year-old neighbour, waiting for rescue. Ms Fong recounted, "The situation was already worsening; she told me she felt dizzy and disoriented."

Since her mother did not take her mobile phone while escaping, she could only use her neighbour's phone to make calls. However, by midnight, the neighbour's phone battery died, and they completely lost contact. Ms Fong said in despair, "I don’t know how my mother is doing now; the rescue personnel had not yet reached that floor."

Was the Illegal Use of Cheap, Flammable Materials to Blame?

This devastating fire has revealed serious safety vulnerabilities. A 72-year-old resident named Chen reported that she did not hear the alarm when the fire broke out; it was only when she received a phone call from her daughter, who was travelling in South Korea, that she managed to escape in a panic. Another resident, 71-year-old Peter Leung, described it as the 'most terrifying moment of his life.' Given the large number of elderly residents at Hong Fu Court, many seniors in wheelchairs were unable to escape in time from the rapidly spreading flames.

The fire initially ignited from scaffolding. At first, the flames were small, but within ten minutes, they had spread to over ten floors and quickly consumed seven buildings, with the speed of the fire's spread surpassing expectations.

According to a report by Hong Kong 01, the Hong Kong police and fire department indicated that the protective netting, protective film, some tarpaulins, and plastic sheets on the exterior of the Hong Fu Court building were suspected of not meeting fire safety standards. Furthermore, flammable foam was found outside the elevator lobbies on each floor, and it is possible that this foam contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.

Many residents have raised concerns that the fire may have been caused by workers smoking frequently during construction. A month ago, a resident had posted a warning that construction in the building should be cautious of fire hazards, which now seems eerily prophetic.

Police investigations have revealed that the contractor responsible for the renovation project is suspected of using cheap, flammable materials from the mainland that do not meet fire safety specifications. Two directors of the construction company and one engineering consultant have been arrested, facing accusations of 'serious negligence' that led to the rapid spread of the fire and significant casualties.

Is this fire sparking a political crisis?

The devastation caused by the fire is alarming, especially with only a few days remaining before the Hong Kong Legislative Council election. Chief Executive Li Jiachao has announced the suspension of all election campaigning to focus on disaster relief, but he has not provided a clear answer on whether the election will be postponed.

Reports suggest that this is the second election since Beijing implemented the National Security Law and reformed the electoral system to allow only 'patriots' to run for office. The social unrest triggered by the massive fire could affect voter turnout and the government's credibility. Media outlets have noted that Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping has urged the Hong Kong government to take all necessary measures to mitigate the disaster's impact.

Nevertheless, many netizens have voiced their opinions, arguing that with the Legislative Council election approaching, Xi Jinping's directive to prioritise disaster relief and minimise its effects is not only an empty statement but also exacerbates the suffering of Hong Kong residents. They point out that since the handover, Hong Kong has been 'increasingly aligning with the mainland.' The Legislative Council is derisively referred to as the 'garbage council' by locals, with comments like 'it doesn't matter whether we vote or not; all the candidates are appointed by the party, all part of the same system—it's just a ritual to deceive the public.' △