At least 12 people died in the massive fire broke out in several residential buildings in Wang Fuk Court, in Tai Po districtnorth of Hong Kong. According to what was reported by the South China Morning Post, the victims numbered 12 people – eight women, three men and a firefighter – while the injured numbered 16 people.
The newspaper also reported that dozens of people are still trapped in the buildingalong with at least a hundred pets. Faced with the gravity of the situation, authorities raised the alert to level five, the maximum level expected: an action that had not been taken for 17 years.
The fire quickly spread from thick bamboo scaffolding surrounding at least three buildingsthen expanded to other areas of the complex. Images broadcast live showed tall columns of smoke and flames that almost completely enveloped the building under renovation.
At least two people, a man and a woman, were rushed to hospital unconscious, with serious burns. Authorities closed several sections of nearby highways and urged residents in the area to “stay indoors, close doors and windows and remain calm.”
