A significant fire has resulted in at least four fatalities and injured three individuals in Hong Kong's Tai Po district. The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon, engulfing multiple high-rise buildings within the Wang Fuk Court housing complex.
Incident Details
The blaze, which commenced at 14:51 local time (06:50 GMT), rapidly escalated in severity. Within 40 minutes, the fire alarm level was raised to four, and by 18:22, it reached level five, the highest classification. Reports from local media indicated concerns that individuals might be trapped within the affected structures.
Footage documented flames and dense grey smoke emanating from the tower blocks. While the cause remains under investigation, the fire is believed to have spread quickly via bamboo scaffolding present on the exterior of the buildings.
Casualties and Response
The Hong Kong government confirmed four deaths, one of whom was a firefighter. Additionally, nine people were transported to two hospitals for treatment. Among the injured, three are reported to be in critical condition, one in serious condition, and one in stable condition.
As night fell, the fire continued to burn, affecting at least three tower blocks.