Major Blaze at Hong Kong Housing Complex Claims Lives
A devastating fire has ripped through a high-rise residential complex in Hong Kong, resulting in the deaths of at least 13 people. The blaze, which broke out at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in the Tai Po district, has also left an unknown number of residents trapped within the burning buildings.
Emergency Response and Casualties
The fire started at 2:51 pm local time on Wednesday and is believed to have spread rapidly via bamboo scaffolding erected around the exterior of the complex for renovation work. Authorities confirmed that nine people were declared dead at the scene, with a further four succumbing to their injuries in hospital. Tragically, one firefighter was among the deceased.
Emergency services worked tirelessly to evacuate approximately 700 residents to temporary shelters. At least three individuals are in a critical condition in hospital with severe burns, and a number of firefighters sustained injuries while battling the intense flames that engulfed the 31-storey towers.
Scene of the Disaster
Video and pictures from the scene showed at least five of the closely packed buildings ablaze, with thick, grey smoke billowing into the sky. As night fell, flames and smoke continued to shoot from numerous windows. Firefighters were seen directing water jets at the fire from elevated ladder platforms in a desperate attempt to bring it under control.
The Wang Fuk Court site is a government-subsidised home ownership scheme that has been occupied since 1983. Records show the complex consists of eight blocks housing nearly 2,000 apartments. The use of bamboo scaffolding, a common sight in Hong Kong construction and renovation projects, is now under scrutiny. The government had previously announced plans to phase out its use on public projects due to safety concerns.
Fire officials have stated they do not currently have a figure for how many people may still be inside the affected buildings as the emergency operation continues.
