Fatal Fire Engulfs Hong Kong High-Rise Complex, 13 Confirmed Dead

Hong Kong High-Rise Fire Results in 13 Fatalities

A significant fire spread across seven high-rise apartment buildings within a residential complex in Hong Kong's Tai Po district on Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of 13 individuals. Authorities reported that nine fatalities occurred at the scene, with an additional four individuals confirmed deceased after being transported to hospitals. At least 15 others sustained injuries, and approximately 700 residents were evacuated to temporary shelters.

The fire originated in the mid-afternoon and escalated to a Level 5 alarm, the highest level of severity, according to the Fire Services Department. The blaze was observed to spread rapidly via bamboo scaffolding and construction netting positioned around the exterior of the housing complex. The complex reportedly comprises eight blocks housing approximately 4,800 people across nearly 2,000 apartments.

• Response: Hundreds of firefighters, police officers, and paramedics were deployed, utilizing 128 fire trucks and 57 ambulances. Firefighters directed water onto the flames from ladder trucks.
• Challenges: Fire Services Deputy Director Derek Armstrong Chan noted that falling debris and scaffolding, coupled with high internal temperatures, presented significant obstacles to firefighting and rescue operations.
• Casualties: One firefighter was among the deceased, and another required treatment for heat exhaustion.
• Victims Profile: A local district council member, Lo Hiu-fung, indicated that many of the trapped residents were believed to be elderly individuals.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Officials stated that the blaze initiated on the external scaffolding of one building before spreading internally and to adjacent blocks, potentially exacerbated by windy conditions. The Fire Services Department received numerous calls for assistance, with some residents remaining trapped late into Wednesday night.

Temporary shelters have been established by district officials for those displaced by the fire. The use of bamboo scaffolding is prevalent in Hong Kong construction projects, though the government had earlier this year announced plans to phase it out for public sector projects due to safety concerns.