A devastating fire has claimed the lives of 13 individuals and left several others injured after engulfing a high-rise building in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district on Wednesday. The blaze, which erupted in the afternoon, rapidly spread through bamboo scaffolding and construction netting enveloping the structures. By nightfall, thick smoke and fierce flames were visible erupting from numerous apartment windows, leading authorities to declare a level 5 alert, the highest possible severity.
Authorities reported that nine victims were discovered deceased at the scene, with four more succumbing to their injuries in hospital. Approximately 700 residents were evacuated from their homes and moved to temporary shelters as the fire raged uncontrollably. Video captured the alarming sight of at least five buildings ablaze simultaneously, illuminating the night sky. Reports suggest many of those trapped were elderly residents, highlighting a critical vulnerability in densely populated urban areas. The use of bamboo scaffolding, a common construction practice in Hong Kong, has raised safety concerns, prompting government initiatives to phase it out for public works. The investigation into the exact cause of this tragic fire is ongoing as damage assessments commence.
