Hong Kong is reeling from the tragedy of a devastating fire which ripped through seven 30-storey apartment blocks in a crowded housing estate two days ago. The death toll so far is 128 and still rising. At least 76 have been injured and almost 300 are missing. Stories abound of survivors trapped in flames and smoke.

The death toll so far is 128 and still rising. At least 76 have been injured

As is so often the case in such tragedies, the emergency services responded with inspirational courage. Firefighters battled the blaze for hours, medics treated the injured, and rescue workers pulled survivors from smoke-filled stairwells. At least one firefighter has died. Throughout Hong Kong, local residents have rallied to help, providing donations and organising human chains to distribute food and supplies for the victims.

The densely-populated Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po is home to at least 4,600 people. The fire was sparked during renovations, when highly flammable green mesh netting and polystyrene foam boards caught alight. Strong winds soon spread the flames across tower blocks. According to preliminary investigations, ‘firefighters suspected that the netting, mesh, canvas and plastic sheeting........

© The Spectator