Post by : Rameen Ariff

A huge fire broke out on Wednesday in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong, causing significant damage and loss of life. The fire engulfed several high-rise buildings in the Wang Fuk Court housing complex, which consists of eight towers and houses about 4,000 people in nearly 2,000 apartments. The blaze started at 2:51 PM local time and quickly spread, likely fueled by bamboo scaffolding covering the buildings due to ongoing renovations.

Authorities raised the alarm level to the highest possible, level five, as firefighters rushed to control the flames. More than 760 firefighters were deployed to fight the fire. Despite their efforts, at least 13 people lost their lives, including one firefighter named Ho Wai-ho, aged 37, who was described as a dedicated and brave member of the team. At least 28 others were injured and taken to hospitals.

The fire caused thick grey smoke and intense flames visible from afar. Residents were forced to evacuate, and emergency shelters were set up in nearby community centers to help those displaced. The police also evacuated nearby buildings, closed roads, and diverted bus routes to keep the area safe.

Officials are still trying to confirm the exact number of people trapped inside, but reports suggest that 13 residents, including elderly people and babies, may still be inside some of the buildings.

Bamboo scaffolding, widely used in Hong Kong construction because it is lightweight and strong, was thought to have helped the fire spread quickly. The government has been trying to reduce the use of bamboo scaffolding due to safety concerns, but it is still common in many construction projects.

This tragic fire is the most severe in Hong Kong in many years. The last time the city faced a fire of this level was 17 years ago, when four people died in a fire at Cornwall Court in the Mong Kok area.

Authorities continue to work on controlling the fire and assessing the full damage. The incident has deeply affected the community and raised concerns about fire safety in high-rise buildings undergoing renovation.

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