A significant fire broke out in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district, affecting the Wang Fuk Court housing complex, which consists of eight 31-story tower blocks. The fire was reported at 14:51 local time and has resulted in at least 36 confirmed fatalities, with more than 270 individuals reported missing. Thousands of residents have been evacuated, and shelters have been established to accommodate those displaced.
As of the evening, firefighting efforts were ongoing, with over 760 firefighters and 128 fire engines deployed to the scene. The blaze was classified as a level five alarm, the highest severity rating, indicating a serious situation that has contributed to ongoing challenges for responders. Officials noted that explosions were heard from within the buildings, and access to upper floors was limited due to the intensity of the heat.
Reports indicated that the tower blocks were undergoing renovations and were covered in bamboo scaffolding, which may have aided in the rapid spread of the fire to nearby buildings. Concerns about the safety of such scaffolding have previously been raised by local authorities, particularly regarding its combustibility and structural integrity.
As the situation develops, searches for missing residents are being facilitated by police, and the number of injured has been revised to 15. The government has set up an emergency monitoring and support center, and a hotline for families to inquire about casualties is operational.
Six schools in the area remain closed due to the fire incident, reflecting the broader impact on the community. Investigations into the cause of the blaze are still ongoing, and authorities have not yet confirmed details around its origin.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdxe9r7wjgro?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss