A significant fire broke out in several high-rise apartment towers located in the northern Tai Po district of Hong Kong on Wednesday, resulting in four fatalities. Emergency services struggled to control the flames as thick gray smoke filled the air.
According to RTHK, police reported that some individuals remained trapped within the blazing tower, with two in critical condition suffering from serious burns.
While battling the fire in the 31-story building, several firefighters sustained injuries as well.
Witnesses noted that many fire trucks and ambulances were stationed along the road near the apartment complex.
The fire department confirmed it had received notification of the blaze at the Wang Fu Court complex around 2:51 p.m.
By 3:34 p.m., the fire danger level was escalated to Level 4, the second highest classification.
Wang Fuk Court comprises eight blocks and houses nearly 2,000 residential units. Notably, some of the towers are covered with bamboo scaffolding, which is still commonly used in construction across Hong Kong.
Due to the incident, the Hong Kong Transport Authority announced that a section of Tai Po Road, one of the city’s primary highways, would be closed, leading to diversions for buses and other vehicles.
As onlookers gathered on nearby overhead sidewalks, they watched in shock as smoke ascended from the buildings.
