A catastrophic fire tore through several high-rise towers of the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district on Wednesday, killing at least 13 people and trapping an unknown number, authorities said. Fueled by bamboo scaffolding wrapped around several renovated buildings, the flames sent flames and thick black smoke rising into the night sky.
Firefighters are fighting a level five inferno
The fire started around 2:50 p.m., and the fire department upgraded it to a No. 5 alarm — the city’s highest classification — shortly after 6:20 p.m.
More than 128 fire engines and 57 ambulances were deployed as hundreds of firefighters battled dangerous conditions including falling debris, collapsing scaffolding and extreme heat inside the towers.
Deputy Director of Fire Services Derek Armstrong Chan said temperatures were so hot that crews were having difficulty getting into buildings.
Trapped residents; seniors among the most vulnerable
Authorities said they received numerous calls from residents who were unable to escape. According to Tai Po District Councilor Lo Hiu-fung, many of those imprisoned were believed to be elderly.
More than 700 people were evacuated to temporary shelters.
Firefighters are also among the victims
Among the 13 confirmed dead was a 37-year-old firefighter who collapsed at the scene and later died in hospital. At least 15 other people, including firefighters, suffered injuries ranging from burns to smoke inhalation.
Several victims remain in critical or serious condition, the government said.
How the fire spread so quickly
Officials said the fire likely started on exterior bamboo scaffolding before quickly spreading through construction netting and into several apartment blocks. Video footage showed flames leaping between the towers, aided by windy conditions.
Built in 1983 as part of the city’s subsidized home ownership scheme, Wang Fuk Court consists of eight residential blocks housing nearly 4,800 people. It is located in Tai Po, a densely populated suburban district near the Chinese border.
The flames forced the complete closure of Tai Po Road, one of Hong Kong’s main highways, causing widespread bus diversions and traffic disruptions.
Cause unknown; an investigation is underway
Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the fire. Investigators will examine how the fire spread so quickly through several buildings and assess whether renovation materials or scaffolding contributed to the disaster.
