A massive fire swept through several high-rise residential buildings in Hong Kong’s northern Tai Po district on Wednesday, killing at least 36 people, including a firefighter, and injuring over 260, as emergency crews battled to control the blaze.
The fire broke out in Wang Fuk Court around 2:51 p.m. and quickly escalated to a No. 5 alarm—the highest level—by 6:22 p.m. Strong winds spread the flames across seven of the complex’s eight blocks. The 32-storey towers were wrapped in bamboo scaffolding and green construction mesh, the former being phased out by the government in March for safety reasons.
Firefighters struggled to reach the upper floors due to intense heat, and efforts to contain the fire grew more difficult after nightfall when thick black smoke billowed from the buildings. Dozens of shocked residents watched from nearby walkways, many in tears. A 71-year-old resident, Mr. Wong, tearfully reported his wife was trapped inside. One of the dead was a firefighter, according to the director of Fire Services. The cause of the fire remains unknown as investigations continue.
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