HONG KONG – A massive fire tore through a residential complex in the northern Tai Po district of Hong Kong, resulting in the deaths of at least four people and leaving others trapped inside the high-rise towers, according to reports from the government and the Fire Services Department.
The catastrophic blaze erupted in the Wang Fuk Court complex, a set of 31-storey towers that house approximately 2,000 apartments.
Firefighters Battle Raging Flames
Firefighters were deployed in large numbers and continued to battle the raging inferno as dusk fell, with thick black smoke visibly billowing from the towers. The fire was so intense that it was upgraded to a Number 4 alarm—the second highest level—at 3:34 PM local time (7:34 AM Irish time), after first being reported at 2:51 PM.
Police cited by public broadcaster RTHK confirmed that several people remain trapped within the burning buildings. Furthermore, two individuals are in critical condition, having suffered severe burns. The immense challenge of containing the blaze has also led to injuries among some fire service personnel.
Scores of fire engines and ambulances have lined the road below the complex as emergency efforts continue. However, the Fire Service Department stated it does not yet have a definitive figure for the total number of people who may still be inside.
Complex Undergoing Renovation
Wang Fuk Court, a subsidized home ownership complex occupied since 1983, was reportedly undergoing major renovations at the time of the incident, according to local television broadcaster TVB. Several towers on the exterior were clad in bamboo scaffolding, a common practice in Hong Kong’s construction industry.
The incident has significantly impacted local infrastructure, with Hong Kong’s Transport Department forced to close an entire section of the Tai Po Road, one of the main highways, leading to bus diversions.
Witnesses gathered on a nearby overhead walkway, watching in dismay as the tragedy unfolded in the dense suburban district of Tai Po, home to about 300,000 residents.
