HONG KONG, Nov 26 (Alliance News): A devastating fire swept through multiple high-rise apartment buildings in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district on Wednesday, killing 13 people and leaving others trapped, authorities said.
The blaze engulfed at least five buildings in the Wang Fuk Court housing complex, which comprises eight blocks with nearly 2,000 apartments.
Video footage from the scene showed flames pouring from numerous apartment windows while firefighters aimed water from ladder trucks in a desperate attempt to control the inferno.
Thick smoke and towering flames were fueled by bamboo scaffolding and construction netting that had been installed on the exterior of the buildings.
The Hong Kong government confirmed that 13 people died in the fire, while three others were hospitalised.
Two of the injured remain in critical condition, and one is stable. Police reported receiving multiple calls from residents trapped inside the affected buildings.
Emergency crews continue efforts to rescue anyone still inside and contain the fire, with local authorities warning residents to avoid the area. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
