Focus On Highly Flammable Styrofoam As Hong Kong Apartment Fire Kills 55

The death toll in the Hong Kong residential apartment fire has risen to 55, while the search is on for the 250 people listed as missing, according to officials. Even after 24 hours after the fire broke out in the eight-building housing estate, flames were still visible in some windows.

Thick smoke continued to pour out of the Wang Fuk Court complex in Tai Po district, a northern suburb near the border with the mainland. Fires in four buildings had been effectively put out, with the remaining three towers under control as of Thursday.

Police said they found Styrofoam, a highly flammable substance, attached to the windows on each floor near the elevator lobby of the one unaffected tower. It was believed to have been installed by the construction

company, but the purpose remains unclear. Three men have been taken into custody on suspicions of negligently leaving foam packaging at the fire site.

What Is Styrofoam?

Styrofoam is made of polystyrene, a petroleum-based plastic used to make a wide variety of consumer products. Styrofoam is a brand of closed-cell extruded polystyrene foam (XPS) which is used in the construction industry to insulate buildings, roofs and walls. They are also used in refrigerators and freezers to keep the temperature inside constant.

Styrofoam is also used for coffee cups, food containers, and packaging material, although this use is banned in several countries due to concerns over the material being carcinogenic. Styrofoam can ignite at relatively low temperatures and burns quickly.

When it burns, Styrofoam releases dense and toxic fumes, and therefore, it is advised that it is kept away from open flames, heaters, and candles.

What Happened In Hong Kong?

The fire started on the external scaffolding of a 32-story tower, then spread on the bamboo scaffolding and construction netting to the inside of the building and then to six other buildings, likely aided by windy conditions. A fire safety expert told The Associated Press that the incident “is quite shocking,” as regulations in general require buildings to be spaced apart to keep fires from spreading from one building to the next.

The housing complex consisted of eight buildings with almost 2,000 apartments for about 4,800 residents, including many older people. It was built in the 1980s and had been undergoing a major renovation. About 900 people were evacuated to temporary shelters overnight.

Hong Kong authorities will immediately inspect all housing estates undergoing major works following the disaster, the city’s leader John Lee said, adding that 279 were unaccounted for. Police on Thursday also searched the office of Prestige Construction & Engineering Company, which was in charge of renovations.

Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed condolences to the victims, including “the firefighter who died in the line of duty”, according to state media.

(with inputs from agencies)