Hong Kong Canadians reeling after deadly highrise inferno
Global News
Global Affairs estimates there are about 300,000 Canadian citizens in Hong Kong, making them the biggest Canadian diaspora outside the United States.
Canadians with roots in Hong Kong have been watching in horror at news of the fire that tore through seven highrise towers in the Chinese special administrative region, leaving dozens dead and hundreds missing.
Vancouver resident Albert Wai Yip Chan, a former member of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong, said the fire risk in the city’s tall buildings has always been a concern, especially with many lacking sprinkler systems.
He’s been watching videos online of the blaze in his hometown, which showed large flames and thick smoke engulfing the buildings.
“I wish (the) injured people could have a speedy recovery,” said Chan, “It’s a tragedy.”
“We hope the government can improve its property management policy. Otherwise, I believe this type of problem will keep occurring again and again.”
Hundreds of residents were evacuated as the blaze spread across a housing complex in the Tai Po district, with at least 44 people reported dead and about 280 missing.
The blaze, which started mid-afternoon on Wednesday, was upgraded to a level-5 — the highest level of severity locally — and authorities said that conditions remained very challenging for firefighters.
Global Affairs estimates there are about 300,000 Canadian citizens in Hong Kong, making them the biggest Canadian diaspora outside the United States.
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