A devastating fire has ripped through a large residential complex in Hong Kong, resulting in multiple fatalities and leaving several residents trapped inside.
Emergency Response and Timeline
The fire department first received reports of the blaze at 2:51 pm local time (6:51 am GMT) on Wednesday. The incident occurred at Wang Fuk Court, a substantial housing estate located in the northern Tai Po district. The complex is comprised of eight separate blocks, which together contain approximately 2,000 homes.
By 3:34 pm local time, the severity of the situation prompted authorities to escalate the emergency response, upgrading the fire to a number 4 alarm. This classification represents the second-highest level within the Hong Kong fire service's alarm system, indicating a large-scale and complex incident requiring significant resources.
Casualties and Rescue Efforts
Tragically, the Hong Kong government confirmed that at least four people have died as a result of the fire. According to information from the public broadcaster RTHK, which cited police sources, a number of individuals were reported to be trapped inside the burning buildings during the emergency.
Firefighters and other emergency service personnel mounted a major operation to tackle the fierce flames and conduct search and rescue missions within the affected residential blocks. The dense population of the complex presented significant challenges for the rescue teams working at the scene.
Aftermath and Investigation
The fire at Wang Fuk Court stands as one of the most serious residential fires in Hong Kong in recent times. The scale of the tragedy has shocked the local community and the city as a whole.
An investigation into the cause of the blaze will undoubtedly be launched by the relevant authorities. The focus for now remains on the rescue operations and accounting for all residents of the large complex, while the community begins to come to terms with the tragic loss of life.
