DST News: The last words Mr Chung heard from his wife were heartbreaking in their simplicity: “Hang in there.” Moments later, her voice faded into the choking smoke engulfing their high-rise apartment block in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district according to BBC.

The massive fire broke out on Wednesday afternoon, sweeping rapidly through seven of the eight residential towers in Wang Fuk Court — a public housing estate home to thousands. Firefighters battled the flames for nearly 24 hours, making it Hong Kong’s deadliest blaze in more than six decades.

Authorities have confirmed at least 75 deaths, while nearly 300 residents remain missing, including Mr Chung’s wife.

When his wife called around 15:00 local time, she was trapped inside their flat with their cat, unable to find an escape route as smoke thickened around her.
By the time Mr Chung arrived from work, the 31-storey tower was already burning fiercely.

He and his brother stayed outside through the night, begging firefighters for any update. None came.

As the smoke intensified, the couple continued calling each other, their conversations fractured by fear. In their last exchange, she said she might faint. Hours later, Mr Chung said he knew what that meant:
“She probably did faint… She passed away with our cat, who she loved,” he told BBC Chinese, tears welling in his eyes. His wife had been the only family member at home that afternoon.

The fire started in Wang Cheong House — the first of the seven towers to ignite — and reached the 23rd floor, where the Chungs lived, within minutes.
Authorities say the cause is still under investigation, but early probes point to flammable renovation materials, scaffolding wrapped in plastic sheets, and substandard safety mesh. Three executives from the construction company have been arrested for “gross negligence.”

The estate, built in 1983, comprises 1,800 units. Nearly 40% of residents are over the age of 65, according to the 2021 census — a factor that may explain why so many were unable to escape quickly.

Forty-year-old Ms Fung has been searching for her mother since the blaze began. A neighbour had called to say they were hiding in a toilet together, but contact was lost around midnight.

Despite the fading hope, she refuses to give up.
“We will think about our next steps after my mum comes out,” she said, visibly shaken.

Her frustration grew when police asked if her mother might have escaped. “How is that possible? You know how badly burnt the building is!” she replied in disbelief.

Online, hundreds of families have posted photos of missing loved ones — elderly parents, children, even pets. One mother wrote:
“I still can’t find my daughter. It’s been almost 30 hours with no update…”
Hours later, she added: “I am afraid there is no hope.”

Many residents told the BBC they received no fire alarm and were warned only by phone calls from friends or family.

Seventy-two-year-old Grandma Chan had long feared something might go wrong during the renovation works. She escaped only because her daughter, calling from South Korea, urged her to flee immediately.

Another resident, 82-year-old Grandma Wu, had been playing mahjong when her husband called with warnings. She and her friends kept playing at first — thinking the fire was far away — until a second call came telling them flames had reached their building.

They took the lift down and escaped just in time.
“I’ve lived here 42 years,” she said, choosing to stay outside all night. “I need to see with my own eyes when this fire ends.”

Many families now grapple with what comes next. Lifelong savings went into these homes — now charred shells.

Thirty-two-year-old Kyle Ho, who moved in with his retired parents three years ago, said they are worried about their future.
“The worst-case scenario is we’ve lost our flat,” he admitted. “But we are safe. Many families are not.”

The Hong Kong government has announced HK$10,000 in emergency relief and a HK$300 million assistance fund for affected households.

Authorities say they have not ruled out the possibility of finding survivors, though expectations dim with each passing hour.

Still, Mr Chung refuses to leave. “I want to rescue her,” he said quietly. “Whether she’s alive or gone.”

Source: BBC