A massive fire has engulfed multiple high-rise apartment blocks in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district, forcing authorities to declare the blaze as Level 5, which is the highest level of severity.
The inferno started on bamboo scaffolding at the Wang Fuk Court estate before spreading rapidly to other parts of the residential buildings.
Casualties and Trapped Residents
The incident has resulted in casualties, and a significant rescue operation is underway:
- Confirmed Casualties: At least four people have been confirmed dead. This includes a 37-year-old firefighter who was rushed to the hospital but later passed away.
- Trapped Residents: Reports suggest at least 13 people were still trapped in the fire. However, by nightfall, officers at the scene could not confirm if residents were still stuck, noting that “firefighters aren’t able to go in” due to the intensity of the blaze.
- Visuals: Visuals from the scene showed thick plumes of black smoke pouring from the apartment blocks, with flames visible on the bamboo scaffolding.
Authorities’ Response
The Hong Kong Fire Services Department and Police have implemented immediate measures:
- Evacuation & Shelter: Two temporary shelters have been opened in nearby community centers for evacuated residents.
- Casualty Hotline: A casualty hotline has been established for public inquiries.
- Public Advisory: Residents nearby were advised to “stay indoors, close their doors and windows, and stay calm,” and the public was urged to avoid the area affected by the fire.
This blaze is the first Level 5 fire reported in Hong Kong in 17 years. While deadly fires were once a common issue in the city’s densely populated areas, stringent safety measures have made such incidents much less commonplace in recent decades.