Hong Kong’s public broadcaster RTHK, citing local police, reports that an initial assessment confirms 14 fatalities, including one firefighter. Additionally, over 16 individuals have sustained injuries. Approximately 700 people have been safely evacuated.
“Numerous individuals remain trapped inside the building, with thick gray smoke billowing out,” RTHK quoted police as saying, emphasizing, “We have received multiple calls reporting people trapped within.”
According to preliminary information, Mr. Lo Hiu-fung, a member of the Tai Po District Council, told TVB that most of those trapped are believed to be elderly residents.
Intense flames and smoke engulf the site of a severe fire currently raging in Hong Kong, China. Photo: Eugene Lee
The fire department stated they received the alert at 2:51 PM local time regarding a blaze that had erupted at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po district.
Initially classified as a Level 1 alert, the fire escalated to a Level 4 alert at 3:34 PM. By nightfall, the alert level was raised to Level 5. In Hong Kong, fire alerts range from 1 to 5, with higher levels indicating more severe fires.
Massive Fire in Hong Kong, China: Smoke Engulfs 8 Buildings, Casualties Rising Rapidly (Video: Thanh Long)
Wang Fuk Court comprises 8 residential towers, each standing 31 stories tall, housing nearly 2,000 apartments and approximately 4,800 residents. Some adjacent buildings under renovation are surrounded by bamboo scaffolding.
Footage from the scene shows bamboo scaffolding on several apartments engulfed in flames, with charred green safety nets falling to the ground.
The fire originated at Wang Cheong House and quickly spread to two neighboring towers, Wang Tai House and Wang Shing House.
By late evening, authorities confirmed that all 8 buildings within Wang Fuk Court were ablaze.
Rescue operations are ongoing, and police have implemented traffic restrictions on several roads surrounding the area.
Located in northern Hong Kong, near Shenzhen on the mainland, Wang Fuk Court is part of a subsidized housing program. Residents began occupying the complex in 1983, according to the estate’s website.
Images of the Hong Kong Fire Incident. Photos: South China Morning Post, AP
Initial casualties confirmed. Photo: Eugene Lee
Many pray for relatives still trapped inside the burning building. Photo: Eugene Lee
Photo: AP
Photo: AP
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