英語学習

英語ニュース教材:Hong Kong fire that killed at least 85 ‘under control’ but hundreds missing(Intermediate レベル)

🎧 Audio

📖 Script

A tragic fire in Hong Kong has taken the lives of at least 85 people. The blaze occurred in a high-rise building, and many people were trapped in the upper floors. Rescuers are working hard to help those who are still missing. The fire is now reported to be under control, but the situation remains critical as hundreds are still unaccounted for. The emergency services are focused on reaching the trapped individuals and providing medical assistance to those injured.

The fire broke out late in the evening, making rescue operations more challenging. Firefighters have been using helicopters to reach people who are stuck on the roofs. Many residents were trapped because the fire spread quickly through the building. There are reports that the fire started in the lower floors and moved upwards, blocking the exits and making escape difficult.

Local authorities are investigating the cause of the fire. Initial reports suggest that the building may not have had adequate fire safety measures. This incident has raised concerns about building safety standards in Hong Kong, especially in older high-rise apartments. The government has promised a thorough investigation and is urging building owners to ensure proper safety measures are in place.

Families of the missing are anxiously waiting for news about their loved ones. Shelters have been set up for those who have been displaced by the fire. Community organizations are also providing support to the affected families, offering food, clothing, and temporary accommodation.

This tragic event has prompted discussions about the need for stricter building regulations and better emergency response systems. The international community is watching closely, as Hong Kong is a densely populated city with many high-rise buildings. Improving safety standards could prevent similar disasters in the future.

📝 Vocabulary

  • blaze: a large, strong fire
    例文: “Firefighters worked tirelessly to control the blaze.”
    Collocations/日本語の意味を見る
    • control a blaze
    • battle a blaze
    • raging blaze
    火災、炎
  • rescue: to save someone from a dangerous situation
    例文: “The team was able to rescue many people from the burning building.”
    Collocations/日本語の意味を見る
    • rescue operation
    • rescue team
    • rescue mission
    救助する
  • trapped: unable to escape
    例文: “Several people were trapped in their apartments during the fire.”
    Collocations/日本語の意味を見る
    • trapped inside
    • trapped under
    • feel trapped
    閉じ込められた
  • investigation: a detailed examination or inquiry
    例文: “An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire.”
    Collocations/日本語の意味を見る
    • launch an investigation
    • conduct an investigation
    • criminal investigation
    調査
  • regulation: an official rule or law
    例文: “The government is considering new regulations for building safety.”
    Collocations/日本語の意味を見る
    • safety regulation
    • government regulation
    • strict regulation
    規制

✏️ Grammar Point

Passive Voice – “The fire is now reported to be under control”

文法の日本語補足を見る
受動態は、行為者が明示されていない場合や、行為よりも行為の結果が重要な場合に使用されます。

💡 使用場面

受動態は、ニュース報道や公式発表などでよく使われます。行為者が重要でない場合や不明な場合に適しています。

📝 使用例文

“例: In an official report, you might say: ‘The new policy was implemented last month.’”

❓ Listening Questions

  1. True/False: The fire in Hong Kong is now completely extinguished.
  2. MCQ: What method are firefighters using to reach people stuck on roofs?
    a) Ladders
    b) Helicopters
    c) Elevators
    d) Ropes
  3. MCQ: What is one major concern raised by this fire incident?
    a) Traffic congestion
    b) Air pollution
    c) Building safety standards
    d) Water supply issues
🔑 Listening Answersを見る
  1. False
  2. b) Helicopters
  3. c) Building safety standards

📚 Reading Questions

  1. What time of day did the fire break out in Hong Kong?
  2. Why is the government promising a thorough investigation?
  3. What does the word “displaced” mean in the context of the script?
🔑 Reading Answersを見る
  1. The fire broke out late in the evening.
  2. The government is promising a thorough investigation to address concerns about building safety standards.
  3. In the context of the script, “displaced” means forced to leave one’s home.

🇯🇵 日本語での経済ニュース解説

香港での火災は、少なくとも85名の命を奪い、数百名が行方不明となっています。この事件は、高層ビルの安全基準に対する懸念を引き起こしており、特に古い建物における消防規制の見直しが求められています。香港は人口密度が高く、高層ビルが多い都市であるため、この火災の影響は大きいです。政府は徹底した調査を約束し、規制の強化を検討しています。これは、将来的に同様の災害を防ぐための重要なステップとなるでしょう。

Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/11/27/hong-kong-fire-that-killed-dozens-under-control-hundreds-still-missing?traffic_source=rss