A major fire at Hong Kong’s Wang Fuk Court estate killed at least 13 people, with residents feared trapped and a firefighter among the dead.
HONG KONG: A massive fire tore through multiple high-rise residential blocks in Hong Kong on Wednesday, killing at least 13 people.
The blaze erupted on bamboo scaffolding covering several apartment buildings at the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po district.
Flames rapidly engulfed multiple structures, with thick smoke pouring from at least five of the estate’s eight towers.
An AFP reporter heard loud cracking sounds from burning bamboo and saw flames reaching high into the sky.
“There’s nothing that can be done about the property,” said 57-year-old resident So near the scene.
“We can only hope that everyone, no matter old or young, can return safely.”
The fire continued burning after dark, casting an eerie orange glow across surrounding buildings.
Police received reports of residents trapped inside the burning structures.
Officers at the scene told AFP they couldn’t confirm if people remained trapped by nightfall.
“Firefighters aren’t able to go in,” anonymous officers said.
The Fire Services Department confirmed 13 fatalities, including nine at the scene and four in hospital.
Another 15 people sustained injuries, with two hospitalised in serious condition.
A 37-year-old firefighter lost contact for approximately 30 minutes before being found with facial burns.
Director of Fire Services Andy Yeung confirmed the firefighter was certified dead after hospitalisation.
Authorities declared a five-alarm fire, their highest emergency level.
“The fire is not yet under control and I dare not leave,” said one resident in his 40s.
Police began evacuating two buildings in a nearby residential estate as a precaution.
Authorities established a casualty hotline and opened two temporary shelters for displaced residents.
Nearby highway sections closed due to the extensive firefighting operation.
The Fire Services Department advised nearby residents to remain indoors with windows closed.
Hong Kong has experienced several scaffolding-related fires this year, according to safety advocates.
The Association for the Rights of Industrial Accident Victims expressed deep concern over such incidents.
Authorities have not yet determined the cause of Wednesday’s blaze.
