The Wang Fuk Court residential apartment complex fire in Tai Po District, Hong Kong, kills more than 50. (Photo: Reuters)
No Vietnamese citizens were affected in the Wang Fuk Court apartment complex fire in Tai Po District, Hong Kong, which occurred on November 26 and killed dozens of residents, foreign ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang confirmed.
After receiving reports of the incident, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs instructed the Vietnamese Consulate General in Hong Kong and Macau to urgently contact local authorities, assess any possible impact on Vietnamese nationals and coordinate with the Vietnamese community to monitor the situation and provide consular support if needed, Hang said at a press briefing on November 27.
According to the Hong Kong Fire Services Department, the blaze began in scaffolding surrounding eight 31 storey buildings that contain nearly 2,000 apartments and about 4,000 residents. The fire spread within minutes, engulfing the entire complex.
At least 55 people have died, including 51 at the scene and four after being taken to hospital. A total of 123 people were injured, including eight firefighters involved in rescue operations. Another 279 remain unaccounted for as search teams race to locate and assist victims.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said all residential buildings undergoing major renovations will be subject to thorough inspections following the disaster.
