HONG KONG — A devastating fire engulfed multiple high-rise towers at Wang Fuk Court in the Tai Po district on Wednesday, resulting in at least 13 fatalities and leaving others trapped, according to local officials. The Hong Kong Fire Services Department reported that emergency crews faced significant challenges in combating the blaze, which erupted in the afternoon and produced thick clouds of smoke that were visible across the skyline.
Chou Wing-yin from the Fire Services Department stated that the incident resulted in numerous casualties. While nine individuals were confirmed dead at the scene, six were transported to hospitals with serious injuries, and four subsequently succumbed to their wounds. “We are still assessing the situation to determine how many may still be inside,” Chou added during a press briefing held at approximately 8:15 p.m. local time.
Firefighters continued their efforts into the night as they battled the inferno in the 31-story residential complex, which accommodates around 2,000 apartments. As of late evening, two residents remained in critical condition, suffering from severe burn injuries, alongside injuries sustained by some of the emergency responders.
Eyewitnesses recounted moments of chaos as they watched from a nearby overhead walkway, observing flames and smoke consuming the buildings, which were surrounded by bamboo scaffolding — a common sight in Hong Kong’s construction landscape. A significant number of ambulances and fire engines were dispatched to the scene in response to the emergency.
Local reports indicated that Wang Fuk Court, a government-subsidized housing development established in 1983, was undergoing substantial renovation work at the time of the fire. The Fire Services Department received initial reports concerning the blaze at 2:51 p.m., categorizing the response as a No. 4 alarm just under an hour later, indicating the level of urgency required.
The Tai Po district, located near the border with mainland China, has a population of roughly 300,000 and is characterized by densely packed urban development. Last year, a similar incident occurred in the Kowloon district, where five lives were lost in a devastating fire, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding fire safety in high-density housing environments.
In response to the ongoing emergency, the city’s transport department has closed a significant section of Tai Po Road, a critical artery for traffic, and various bus routes have been redirected as emergency operations continue. As recovery efforts unfold, community leaders and safety officials are bracing for a thorough investigation into the cause and broader implications of the tragedy that has shaken this bustling district.