A massive fire has ravaged a residential complex in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district, resulting in the deaths of at least 13 people, including a firefighter, and leaving many more injured or trapped. The blaze, which broke out at the Wang Fuk Court housing estate, spread rapidly through the bamboo scaffolding surrounding the 31-storey towers, engulfing multiple buildings in flames. Firefighters battled the inferno into the night, with thick black smoke billowing from the complex as emergency services struggled to contain the situation.
The fire, which was upgraded to a level 5 alarm, the highest level of severity, has left hundreds of residents displaced, with temporary shelters opened to accommodate those affected. The cause of the blaze is still under investigation, but authorities have expressed concerns over the use of bamboo scaffolding, which is common in Hong Kong’s construction industry but has been criticized for its flammability.
The incident has prompted an outpouring of condolences, with Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee and Chinese President Xi Jinping expressing their sympathies to the families of the victims. As the death toll is expected to rise, authorities are working to rescue those trapped and provide support to those affected by the disaster.
