Fire in housing complex: At least 13 people died in a major fire in Hong Kong

At least 13 people died in a major fire at a housing complex in Hong Kong. Another 15 are considered injured, as consistently reported by several media outlets. Authorities have now categorized the fire that broke out at the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Tai Po district in the afternoon (local time) into the highest alert level 5. Authorities initially did not provide any information regarding the cause of the fire.

According to information, a firefighter was also among the dead. As confirmed by the Chinese Special Administrative Region government, the 37-year-old man was found unconscious at the scene and was initially taken to hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

The fire destroyed a number of residential buildings

According to reports citing the fire brigade, the fire has destroyed seven apartment blocks in the complex. In the afternoon, several calls were received from people trapped in their homes. In total, the area includes eight residential buildings, 32 floors each, and a total of almost 2,000 apartments. All buildings are surrounded by bamboo scaffolding for renovation work.

Photos and videos from the scene showed large plumes of smoke rising from high-rise residential buildings. It was also seen that the facade scaffolding was burning on several floors and burnt parts had fallen to the ground. Apart from that, the source of the fire was also visible in each apartment.

Hundreds of emergency services on site

Residents who were around the scene of the incident were advised to close windows and doors and avoid the area around the burning building. Hong Kong Police set up a telephone service so that the public could obtain information about the victims.

As Hong Kong’s “South China Morning Post” reported, more than 760 firefighters and 400 police officers were on duty. More than 700 people sought shelter in shelters set up by the city.