BEIJING: In the aftermath of a deadly fire on Sunday night, the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) said on Tuesday that it will carry out inspections of some 2,500 aged domestic or composite buildings by the end of the year.
The fire on Canton Road has caused seven deaths so far, with 10 people still hospitalized, eight of whom are in critical or serious condition. The Fire Services Department (FSD) has set up a dedicated team to probe the cause of the fire and the severe casualties that resulted.
The inspection of 2,500 domestic or composite buildings that are aged 60 or above will be done by the FSD and the Buildings Department. They will pay special attention to the condition of the buildings’ common means of escape and whether there are fire hazards, the government said in a statement.
HKSAR Chief Executive Carrie Lam inspected the scene of the fire on Monday and instructed the relevant departments to take follow-up action.
The Social Welfare Department and the Home Affairs Department (HAD) will render all necessary assistance to the victims of the fire, Lam said.
As the deceased and injured are ethnic minorities, the HAD will learn about their needs through organizations dedicated to providing support services for minorities, and will arrange appropriate counseling services. The district office will assist families of the deceased and injured in their applications to the Emergency Relief Fund or the Special Aid Fund, as well as liaise on behalf of them with various assistance funds operated by other charitable organizations.
“The HKSAR government attaches great importance to fire safety in buildings, in particular those aged buildings with fire safety facilities not up to the current standard. We hope to enhance fire safety in buildings and improve the living environment of residents through urban renewal and building rehabilitation,” Lam said.
–The Daily Mail-CGTN News exchange item
