At least 13 dead as fire engulfs Hong Kong high-rise residential buildings

Authorities report that at least 13 people have died in a fire that has stricken a number of Hong Kong high-rise apartment buildings and left some residents trapped inside.

On Wednesday afternoon, flames engulfed other parts of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po, a district in the city’s northern part, before sweeping over several apartment blocks.

The 31-story towers’ thick, black smoke poured out from the fire into the night sky, and firefighters battled it until midnight.

The Fire Services Department raised the fire to a level five alarm, the highest level, after nightfall, adding that nine people were later confirmed dead at the scene and four were later confirmed dead.

Local media reported that some residents were reportedly trapped inside the buildings, injuring at least 15 others.

The fire quickly spread, according to Chan Derek Armstrong, deputy director of Hong Kong’s Fire Services Department, and residents frequently called for assistance.

He claimed that the affected buildings’ debris and scaffolding were falling, adding that the building’s temperature remained extremely high.

He claimed that it’s quite challenging for us to enter the buildings and go upstairs to carry out firefighting and rescue operations.

“People are ensnared inside.”

Nothing can be done with the property, according to the statement. A Tai Po resident by the surname So, 57, told the AFP news agency right near the fire’s location, “We can only hope that everyone, no matter how old or young, can return safely.”

It’s heartbreaking,” she said. We’re concerned that there might be trapped inside.

Reporter Laura Westbrook told Al Jazeera from the scene of the fire that when it first started, it spread to other housing estate blocks as bamboo scaffolding was being reported.

As I’ve been standing here, Westbrook said, “I can smell the smoke and occasionally hear these pops as some of the debris falls to the ground,” she said.

One of Hong Kong’s most densely populated cities, Wang Fuk Court, is one of many high-rise housing complexes.

Harry Cheung, 66, a resident of Block Two in one of the complexes for more than 40 years, reported hearing a “very loud noise” at around 2:45 pm local time (06:45 GMT) and seeing a fire erupt in a nearby block.

He told the Reuters news agency, “I immediately went back and packed my things.” “I’m not even aware of my current state of mind. Because I’m likely to not be able to return home tonight, I’m just thinking about where I’m going to sleep.

Bamboo scaffolding

As smoke emitted from the buildings, people gathered on a nearby overhead walkway to watch in shock and pose for photos.

Residents posted photos on social media claiming the buildings had been receiving renovations for about a year, with some of the structures covered in bamboo scaffolding.

Witnesses reported seeing hundreds of fire engines and ambulances line the road below the development while firefighters battled the blaze, with frames of scaffolding falling to the ground.

128 fire trucks and 57 ambulances were sent to the scene by firefighters.

Authorities established a casualty hotline and established two temporary housing options for newly evacuated residents in nearby community centers. The firefighting operation also closed portions of a nearby highway.

The Fire Services Department advises residents nearby to remain inside, shut their doors and windows, and remain calm. The public is also advised to stay away from the fire’s affected areas.

Source: Aljazeera