A devastating fire has ripped through a high-rise residential complex in Hong Kong, claiming the lives of at least four people and leaving an unknown number of residents trapped.
Emergency Response and Casualties
The blaze broke out at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in the Tai Po district at 2.51pm local time on Wednesday. The Hong Kong government and Fire Services Department confirmed the fatalities, which tragically included one firefighter. Three people are in a critical condition with burns, and a number of other individuals, including several firefighters, have been injured.
Fire officials have stated they do not currently have a figure for how many people may still be inside the affected towers. Dramatic video from the scene showed at least five of the closely-packed 31-storey buildings ablaze, with thick, grey smoke billowing into the sky.
Cause of the Rapid Spread
Reports indicate the fire spread rapidly via bamboo scaffolding that had been erected around the exterior of the complex for renovation work. Bamboo scaffolding is a common sight at construction and renovation projects across Hong Kong, though the government announced earlier this year it would begin phasing it out for public projects due to safety concerns.
Firefighters have been seen in a desperate battle to control the intense flames, aiming water jets from high up on ladder appliances. The Wang Fuk Court site is a government-subsidised home ownership complex that consists of eight blocks housing almost 2,000 apartments and has been occupied since 1983.
Ongoing Rescue Efforts
Emergency services continue to battle the blaze and conduct rescue operations. The situation remains fluid as crews work to reach those still trapped inside the smouldering towers. The Tai Po district is located in the northern part of Hong Kong, close to the border with the mainland Chinese city of Shenzhen.
