In a tragic incident that has shocked the world, a massive fire ravaged a residential complex in Hong Kong, resulting in a significant loss of life. Apple's Chief Executive Officer, Tim Cook, has expressed his profound grief and committed the technology giant's support for recovery operations.
Tim Cook's Heartfelt Response
Expressing his sorrow on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, Tim Cook stated he was "Heartbroken by the devastating fire in Hong Kong." He extended his thoughts to everyone affected and thanked the first responders for their bravery. Crucially, Cook confirmed that Apple is donating to the relief efforts on the ground, providing crucial financial assistance for the ongoing recovery.
Details of the Catastrophic Blaze
The fire erupted with ferocious speed at the Wang Fuk Court complex in Tai Po, a housing estate consisting of eight towers. The flames rapidly spread across seven high-rise blocks, creating an unprecedented emergency. Authorities have confirmed that the death toll has risen to 128 people, making it one of the deadliest fires in Hong Kong in decades. Additionally, approximately 200 residents are still reported missing, adding to the scale of the tragedy.
Official investigations have pointed to critical safety failures that exacerbated the disaster. It was revealed that fire alarms were inoperable and highly flammable materials from major renovation work contributed to the fire's rapid and catastrophic spread. The blaze was so intense that it took nearly a thousand firefighters close to 24 hours to fully extinguish it.
Aftermath and Official Statements
The rescue operation has now been declared complete by Security Secretary Chris Tang. In the aftermath, nearly 900 evacuees have been moved to temporary shelters as they grapple with the loss of their homes and loved ones. Tang informed reporters that the immediate focus is on ensuring the building's temperature decreases and the site is safe. Once secured, the police will commence a detailed evidence collection process for a comprehensive investigation.
The fire is believed to have originated in the bamboo scaffolding and plastic netting enveloping the building for renovations. The subsequent probe confirmed that severe compliance failures were a major factor in the tragedy's scale.
