Fire Engulfs High-Rise Buildings in Hong Kong

A devastating fire swept through several high-rise residential buildings in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district on Wednesday, resulting in at least 13 confirmed fatalities and leaving many trapped indoors.

The fire erupted at Wang Fu Court around 2:50 p.m. and escalated to Alert Level 5—the highest alert—by 6:22 p.m. Reports from the Hong Kong Fire Department indicated that nine individuals were transported to local hospitals, including Alice Ho Mew Lin Nethersall Hospital and Prince of Wales Hospital.

Tragically, four people lost their lives, and several others were in serious condition. One firefighter also succumbed to injuries he sustained while battling the blaze. Security Secretary Tang Pingjing expressed sorrow over this loss, extending condolences to the firefighter’s family.

Images taken from the scene depict the bamboo scaffolding enveloped in flames, with thick smoke billowing from multiple floors. Witnesses reported the chaos as many tried to escape the unfolding horror. One anguished man was seen as his wife remained trapped inside.

Jang Kwon-tak, an 83-year-old retiree from the area, remarked that although the building had a fire alarm, it failed to activate when the fire started. He noted, “If anyone was asleep at the time, they were done.” This sentiment was echoed by former Tai Po city councilor Herman Yoo Kwang-ho, who recounted that residents didn’t hear alarms even as they sensed smoke. He was only alerted when a security guard knocked on his door.

In response to the crisis, the Tai Po District Office has set up temporary evacuation centers at Kwangfu Community Center and Dongqing Street Community Center for those affected by the fire.