Hong Kong Fire Tragedy: Basic Safety Systems Failed

0:00From the Daily News Now Network, this is Corey, with the story with Sydney News today. A public hearing in Hong Kong has revealed that nearly every fire safety system failed during last year's deadly blaze at Wang Fu Court, which killed 168 people. That November 26 fire was the world's worst residential building blaze since 1980, ripping through seven of the complexes eight, towers in the Tai Po district. The flames likely started on a platform near low-level apartments where investigators found cigarette butts and quickly spread thanks to, scaffolding, netting, and foam boards from ongoing renovations. Firefighters face huge obstacles from falling bamboo that blocked escape routes just minutes after alarms should have sounded. Residents and survivors are still grappling with the loss, especially in a complex home to over 4,600 people, including more than 1,700 seniors over age 60. Many expressed shock that basic alarms and hoses did not work, with one long-time resident

1:03questioning how such a tragedy could happen after decades. There, video clips shown at the hearing captured the chaos, with voices yelling about no alarms as fire engulfed the building in under four minutes. Officials and witnesses described it as a façade fire fueled by multiple human errors. The Independent Committee, armed with over a million documents, will probe safety standards, construction practices, and government oversight, while police have arrested 38 people on manslaughter charges and the anti-corruption body, NAV 23 more contractors and managers. Hearings continue to uncover what went wrong and prevent future disasters. The Daily News Now is presented by our sponsor, linked in the description. Headphones in a pillow, simple idea, surprisingly addictive, S-O-L-I-S-O-L-Pillow.com