分类： society

A devastating five-alarm fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Hong Kong, has resulted in a tragic death toll of 44, as confirmed on Thursday morning. The blaze, which raged for over 10 hours, has been brought under control, but firefighters continue to address sporadic outbreaks on the higher floors of the blackened building. Thick smoke was still visible billowing into the sky as emergency crews worked tirelessly to contain the situation. The incident has drawn widespread attention and condolences, including from Chinese President Xi Jinping, who urged all-out rescue efforts to minimize losses. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and the community is mourning the significant loss of life in this catastrophic event.

A Sydney-based taekwondo instructor, Kwang Kyung Yoo, 51, has pleaded guilty to the brutal murder of a 7-year-old student and his parents in February last year. The New South Wales Supreme Court heard on Thursday that Yoo, consumed by delusions of grandeur, had fabricated stories of Olympic glory, meetings with billionaires, and ownership of luxury cars to bolster his self-image. Forensic psychiatrist Andrew Ellis described these fabrications as “grandiose fantasies” aimed at masking his financial struggles and lack of social status. Yoo, who was behind on rent for his Lion’s Taekwondo and Martial Arts Academy, allegedly plotted the murders after becoming envious of the student’s father’s success and wealth. The court was told that Yoo strangled the mother and son at his academy, then drove to their home in the mother’s BMW, where he fatally stabbed the father. During the struggle, the father also stabbed Yoo, who later claimed he was attacked in a supermarket carpark. Police arrested him at the hospital the following day. Yoo expressed remorse to prison authorities, stating, “I feel shame, guilt, and sorrow.” His lawyer, Richard Wilson, argued against prosecutors’ claims that Yoo was driven by jealousy and hatred, suggesting envy was a factor but not the primary motivator. Yoo faces sentencing on December 16, with the maximum penalty for murder in New South Wales being life imprisonment.

Hong Kong is grappling with its most devastating fire in nearly three decades, as flames continue to smolder in multiple apartment towers at Wang Fuk Court in Taipo. The blaze, which erupted on Wednesday, has claimed at least 55 lives and left dozens injured, with approximately 900 of the 4,800 residents evacuated to temporary shelters. Seven of the eight 32-story towers in the complex were engulfed in flames after construction materials and bamboo scaffolding caught fire. Extreme heat and high winds have severely hampered rescue efforts, making it the deadliest fire since 1996, when 41 people perished in a Kowloon commercial building fire. Authorities have arrested three individuals, including directors and an engineering consultant from Prestige Construction & Engineering Co., on suspicion of manslaughter. Investigations suggest that some materials, such as plastic foam panels, may not have met fire resistance standards. The buildings, constructed in the 1980s, lack modern fire safety features like smoke detectors and sprinkler systems, raising concerns about housing safety standards in Hong Kong. Chief Executive John Lee has announced the formation of a task force to investigate the disaster and inspect all housing estates undergoing major repairs. Survivors are receiving support in temporary shelters, with 17 of the 62 hospitalized victims in critical condition.

In Shanghai, Party-mass service centers have undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from exclusive venues for Communist Party activities into inclusive community hubs. One such center, located in Xuhui district by the riverside, has become a bustling public space since its opening in 2021. Initially, the center’s signage was modest to avoid deterring non-Party members, but today, its prominent display reflects the public’s growing acceptance and appreciation. With over 2.6 million visits to date, including 1 million in the past year alone, the center has become a beloved destination for residents of all ages.

Xu Xinmin, a 69-year-old resident and veteran Party member, frequents the center daily for activities like calligraphy, singing, and sword dancing. He praises the center for fulfilling nearly all his needs and serving as a vital bridge between the Party and the public. Across Shanghai, similar Party-mass service facilities have emerged, offering a range of services such as community canteens, libraries, health services, senior care, and playrooms for children. These centers, once exclusive, now operate year-round, with some providing 24/7 access to essential amenities like restrooms and shower facilities for joggers.

Xia Rui, head of Party-mass service facilities in Xuhui district, emphasized the ‘people-centered’ design philosophy behind these spaces. The riverside center, spanning 2,000 square meters, operates from 7 am to 9 pm daily, with certain facilities available around the clock. Shanghai now boasts over 10,000 Party-mass service centers strategically located within 15-minute living circles, ensuring residents have easy access to essential services. This evolution aligns with President Xi Jinping’s vision of ‘people’s cities built by the people and for the people,’ fostering a stronger connection between the Party and the community.

China’s relentless fight against telecom and online fraud has become a cornerstone of its efforts to safeguard public property and dignity. This year marks the fifth anniversary of Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law, which has guided the nation’s intensified crackdown on fraudulent activities. Beijing police officer Xing Yunwei highlights the challenges in convincing victims of scams, emphasizing the importance of protecting not just finances but also the peace of mind of the public. In one notable case, an elderly woman, targeted by online scammers, was persuaded to cooperate after persistent efforts by law enforcement, leading to the recovery of most of her stolen funds. The Anti-Telecom and Online Fraud Law, enacted in December 2022, has been pivotal in clarifying responsibilities across government departments, telecom operators, and financial institutions, ensuring efficient and accountable law enforcement. From 2021 to July 2025, China’s public security organs have solved nearly 1.74 million telecom-fraud cases, arrested 366,000 suspects, and intercepted billions of scam calls and messages. The national anti-fraud center has issued over 20 million fund early-warning alerts, and local police have conducted face-to-face visits to prevent potential victims from transferring money. Joint operations with countries like Myanmar, Thailand, and Cambodia have led to the apprehension of over 80,000 suspects. The campaign reflects China’s commitment to addressing urgent public issues, dismantling criminal organizations, and protecting legitimate rights and interests. Guided by Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law, law enforcement agencies continue to serve the people, ensuring a safer and more secure society.

A devastating fire engulfed a residential building in Hong Kong, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 44 lives. The blaze, which broke out unexpectedly, required an arduous 18-hour effort by local firefighting teams to fully extinguish. Emergency responders faced significant challenges in controlling the inferno, highlighting the intensity and complexity of the situation. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, raising concerns about fire safety measures in densely populated urban areas. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire and to assess whether existing safety protocols were adequately followed. This tragedy underscores the urgent need for enhanced fire prevention strategies and improved emergency response systems in Hong Kong’s residential infrastructure.

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — Sri Lanka has been plunged into chaos as relentless heavy rains triggered catastrophic landslides and widespread flooding, claiming the lives of over 30 people and leaving 14 others missing, officials reported on Thursday. The disaster has particularly ravaged the central provinces of Badulla and Nuwara Eliya, renowned for their tea-growing mountainous terrain, located approximately 300 kilometers east of the capital, Colombo.

A devastating fire broke out at Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong, with over 800 firefighters mobilized to combat the raging inferno. The blaze, which continued into the early hours of the morning, was captured in dramatic aerial footage, revealing the sheer scale of the disaster. The footage, taken at dawn, showed thick plumes of smoke billowing into the sky and flames consuming multiple structures. Emergency services worked tirelessly to contain the fire, with the situation remaining critical as the day progressed. Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the fire, but initial reports suggest it may have started in a residential area. The incident has raised concerns about fire safety measures in densely populated urban areas. No casualties have been reported so far, but the extent of property damage is significant. The community has been urged to remain vigilant and follow safety protocols as investigations continue.