At least 13 individuals have lost their lives in a massive fire that engulfed tall residential buildings in Hong Kong. The fire, which started at Wang Fuk Court housing complex in the Tai Po district, is being battled by 767 firefighters. This complex accommodates approximately 4,600 residents in nearly 2,000 apartments, with the blaze initiating at 2:51 pm local time on Wednesday.
Firefighters are tirelessly working to contain the fire that has affected multiple buildings within the apartment complex. Tragically, reports confirm that numerous flats are still fully engulfed in flames, resulting in the death toll reaching 13 individuals.
Witnesses reported hearing explosions and observing sparks emanating from the burning structures as many residents evacuated the area. Due to the ongoing emergency, several schools in the Tai Po district will remain closed, with educational psychologists offering support to affected students at temporary shelters.
The Secretary for Security in Hong Kong, Tang Ping-keung, mourned the loss of firefighter Ho Wai-ho, who tragically perished while battling the fire. Tang expressed his condolences to Ho’s family and extended sympathies to other victims’ families while wishing a swift recovery to the injured individuals.
The fire, escalating to the most severe level five classification, continues to ravage the Wang Fuk Court complex, with the exact number of trapped individuals still unknown. Chinese President Xi Jinping conveyed his condolences to the families of the deceased and urged comprehensive efforts to extinguish the fire and minimize casualties and property damage.
The fire outbreak, escalating rapidly through the complex’s tower blocks, prompted a significant emergency response involving 767 firefighters, 128 fire engines, 57 ambulances, and 400 police officers. Official reports confirmed the death toll at 13 individuals, with 15 others sustaining injuries, a revision from earlier figures.
Authorities have been actively managing the crisis, striving to bring the devastating fire under control and provide aid to those affected.