A major fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po killed four people, including a firefighter, with two critically injured and residents trapped in burning towers.
HONG KONG: At least four people died when a fire engulfed multiple high-rise residential blocks in a Hong Kong estate on Wednesday.
Massive flames consumed bamboo scaffolding on at least three apartment towers at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po.
The fire quickly spread to other sections of the buildings, trapping some residents inside.
“Four people are certified dead, two are in critical condition and one in stable condition,” a government Information Services Department representative confirmed by 5:00 pm local time.
One of the deceased was a firefighter, according to Hong Kong media reports.
At least one man and one woman were hospitalised unconscious with severe burns.
Police earlier received multiple reports of residents trapped within the burning towers.
Thick smoke billowed from construction scaffolding on several buildings, live broadcast footage showed.
Authorities declared a four-alarm fire, the second-highest emergency level.
Nearby highway sections were closed to facilitate firefighting operations.
“Residents nearby are advised to stay indoors, close their doors and windows, and stay calm,” the Fire Services Department stated.
The department also urged the public to avoid the fire-affected area.
Last month, four people were hospitalised following a separate scaffolding fire in Hong Kong’s central business district.
