A tragic fire at a 60-year-old building in Hong Kong claimed the lives of five people and left 43 others injured. The blaze was fueled by plastic boxes and wires, leading to a rapid spread of flames and smoke. Despite efforts to control the fire within 90 minutes, the damage was extensive.
The incident highlighted the safety hazards posed by dilapidated buildings in the city. The authorities have vowed to increase inspections of old buildings and commercial premises to prevent future tragedies.
Investigations into the building, known as New Lucky House, revealed longstanding non-compliance issues. Disputes among owners over maintenance and repairs further complicated the situation.
The government plans to propose amendments to the Fire Safety Ordinance to enhance safety measures and increase penalties for non-compliance. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has pledged to impose stricter fines to ensure building owners prioritize safety.
Additional reporting by Wynna Wong