A devastating fire has ripped through a high-rise residential complex in Hong Kong, claiming the lives of thirteen people, including one firefighter, and forcing the evacuation of hundreds of residents.
Chaos and Rescue Efforts in Tai Po
The blaze broke out at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in the Tai Po district at 2.51pm local time on Wednesday. Authorities confirmed that nine individuals were declared dead at the scene, with four others succumbing to their injuries later in hospital. The fire spread rapidly via bamboo scaffolding that had been erected around the exterior of the buildings for renovation work.
Video footage from the scene showed at least five of the 31-storey towers ablaze, with intense flames and thick, grey smoke billowing from the structures. As night fell, flames were still visible shooting from numerous windows, illustrating the scale of the disaster.
Casualties and Ongoing Emergency Response
In addition to the confirmed fatalities, the government reported that three people are in a critical condition suffering from burns, with others also injured. A number of firefighters were hurt while battling the intense flames.
Tragically, officials confirmed that one firefighter was among the dead. The Fire Services Department has stated it does not currently have a figure for how many people may still be trapped inside the charred buildings. Firefighters have been seen aiming water at the blaze from high up on ladder appliances in a desperate attempt to gain control.
Large-Scale Evacuation and Complex Details
Approximately 700 people have been evacuated from their homes and moved to temporary shelters. The Wang Fuk Court site is a substantial complex, consisting of eight blocks that house nearly 2,000 apartments under the government's subsidised home ownership scheme. The complex has been occupied since 1983.
The use of bamboo scaffolding is a common sight in Hong Kong for construction and renovation projects. However, the government had announced earlier this year that it would begin phasing out its use on public projects due to safety concerns.
Tai Po is located in the northern part of Hong Kong, close to the border with the mainland Chinese city of Shenzhen. The emergency services continue to battle the blaze as the community reels from this tragic event.
