Hong Kong Fire Update:
THIS DAWN — A catastrophic fire swept through multiple high-rise residential blocks in Wang Fuk Court, Tai Po District, on Wednesday, killing at least 13 people and leaving dozens more trapped as smoke and flames engulfed the estate.
Authorities confirmed that nine victims were found dead at the scene, while four others succumbed to injuries in hospital.
Among the dead was a firefighter who had rushed into the inferno in an attempt to rescue residents.
At least 15 others sustained injuries, and officials warned that more residents may still be trapped inside the burning towers.
Full-scale emergency
The blaze erupted in the afternoon and quickly escalated into a full-scale emergency.
Fire services declared a “Level-5” alarm — the highest severity rating in Hong Kong.
The flames spread rapidly across several of the estate’s eight blocks, which together house nearly 2,000 apartments and approximately 4,800 residents.
Firefighters, supported by dozens of fire trucks and ambulances, battled the blaze into the night.
Rescue efforts were hampered by falling debris, intense heat, and limited access to upper floors.
Officials said bamboo scaffolding and construction netting covering the exterior of the buildings acted as fuel.
They enabled the fire to climb swiftly from one block to another.
Strong winds further intensified the spread.
Authorities evacuated between 700 and 900 residents to temporary shelters in nearby schools, community centers, and hotels.
‘Deadliest residential fires in Hong Kong’
Many displaced families described harrowing escapes, with some fleeing without personal belongings as flames and smoke consumed their homes.
Investigators are probing the cause of the fire.
Preliminary findings suggest the blaze may have been sparked by renovation work or a stray ignition on external scaffolding, which then spread uncontrollably due to flammable materials and structural conditions.
The tragedy is among the deadliest residential fires Hong Kong has witnessed in decades.
As recovery operations continue, questions are mounting over building safety standards.
The widespread use of bamboo scaffolding also raised serious concerns, as well as fire-safety regulations for older housing estates undergoing renovation.
Authorities have pledged a thorough investigation and reassured residents of ongoing support during this crisis.
