A massive fire broke out in the residential complex "Wang Fuk Court" in Hong Kong, leading to the death of at least 14 people and injuring 16. According to Reuters, the incident occurred today and is still ongoing as the fire spread to several high-rise buildings.
Circumstances and Scale
The fire started at 2:51 PM local time in the densely populated area of Tai Po. The "Wang Fuk Court" complex, in particular, contains eight high-rise buildings designed to accommodate around 4,600 residents. However, the scale of the disaster proved to be so severe that the fire service classified the fire as a fifth level of danger - the highest on the scale. A total of 767 firefighters were dispatched to fight the blaze.
Causes and Consequences
The cause of the fire is not yet known, but there are indications that it spread rapidly through bamboo scaffolding covering the building facades during renovations. This has raised concerns that the fire could continue into the night.
Victims and Assistance for the Affected
Initially, four fatalities were reported, but the death toll later rose to 14. Among the deceased is a firefighter, 37-year-old Ho Wai-ho, who was caught in danger while battling the blaze. Hong Kong authorities have confirmed that several temporary shelters have already been established for evacuated residents.
Hong Kong's Deputy Prime Minister, Tang Ping-kung, stated that mass evacuation is underway and efforts are being coordinated to address the aftermath of the fire, while the police have opened a hotline for citizens to report on the affected.
Safety Issues
This tragedy has sparked discussions about the safety of bamboo scaffolding, which is traditionally used in Hong Kong. It should be noted that in March of this year, the government planned to phase out its use due to accidents related to it. Local authorities promise to pay particular attention to these issues in light of today's events.
