Major Fire Ravages Hong Kong Residential Complex
A devastating fire swept through multiple high-rise towers at Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong's Tai Po district on Wednesday, claiming at least four lives and leaving several people trapped inside the burning buildings. According to official statements from the city government and fire services department, the tragedy unfolded during afternoon hours as thick black smoke poured from the 31-storey residential blocks.
Emergency Response and Rescue Operations
Firefighters continued their desperate rescue operations well into the evening as the massive blaze engulfed the government-subsidised housing complex that contains approximately 2,000 apartments. The Fire Services Department confirmed they received the first emergency reports at 2:51 pm local time, with the situation escalating rapidly to a No 4 alarm - the second-highest emergency level - by 3:34 pm.
Emergency services deployed scores of fire engines and ambulances to the scene as the scale of the disaster became apparent. Witnesses described horrifying scenes of residents gathering on nearby overhead walkways, watching helplessly as flames and smoke consumed buildings that were surrounded by bamboo scaffolding - a common feature in Hong Kong construction sites.
Casualties and Ongoing Crisis
The human cost of the disaster continues to mount with two residents reported in critical condition suffering from severe burn injuries. Several other individuals, including fire personnel involved in rescue operations, have also sustained injuries during the emergency response.
Officials acknowledged that they are still assessing how many people might remain inside the affected buildings. The residential complex at Wang Fuk Court has been occupied since 1983 and was undergoing major renovation work at the time the fire broke out, according to local broadcaster TVB.
The Tai Po district, located near the mainland China border, houses approximately 300,000 residents and represents one of Hong Kong's many densely populated areas. This tragic incident echoes a similar blaze that occurred in Hong Kong's Kowloon district last year, which resulted in five fatalities.
Transport Disruption and Community Impact
The city's transport department confirmed that a major stretch of Tai Po Road, one of Hong Kong's key highways, has been completely closed due to the ongoing emergency response. Multiple bus routes have been diverted as authorities work to contain the situation and coordinate rescue efforts.
As night fell on Wednesday, firefighters continued their operations against the massive blaze, facing challenging conditions while trying to reach those still trapped inside the smoke-filled high-rise towers. The community remains in shock as emergency services work tirelessly to bring the situation under control and account for all residents.
