Shocking images have emerged showing Hong Kong apartment buildings engulfed in thick smoke following a major fire that swept through multiple structures in the Chinese-administered territory around 2:51 pm local time.
The fire originated at Wang Fuk Court, a large public housing complex consisting of eight residential blocks comprising nearly 2,000 units in Tai Po, situated near the mainland China border. Tai Po, an established suburban area of Hong Kong with a population of about 300,000, was the site of the devastating blaze.
Tragically, the fire has resulted in the loss of at least thirteen lives, including one firefighter who responded to the emergency. Official reports confirm that three individuals are in critical condition due to the incident. Authorities in Hong Kong have set up temporary shelters for affected residents of the Wang Fuk Court complex.
The residential complex, which accommodates 4,600 residents, operates under the government’s subsidized home ownership scheme and has been in use since 1983.
The cause of the fire remains unknown. The blaze, which affected multiple buildings within the complex, was exacerbated by bamboo scaffolding secured with nylon fasteners, a common sight on structures in Hong Kong.
The severity of the fire prompted the Hong Kong government to escalate it to level 5, the highest alert level. Police have evacuated neighboring estates as a precautionary measure.
In response to the emergency, more than 700 firefighters, supported by 128 fire engines, 57 ambulances, and 400 police officers, have mobilized to combat the inferno.
Residents like Y.Y. Chan, 68, who witnessed the devastation, expressed their shock and fear, despite the fire being contained in their block. Another resident, Harry Cheung, 66, shared his experience of hearing a loud noise before witnessing a nearby building engulfed in flames, prompting him to hastily pack his belongings.
The closure of several roads, including a section of Tai Po Road, a major highway in Hong Kong, has been implemented by the Transport Department due to the fire, causing diversions for buses.
The incident has left the community in shock and uncertainty, with residents like Cheung contemplating their immediate living arrangements amidst the aftermath of the tragic event.