A devastating fire engulfing a Hong Kong residential building killed at least four people, including a firefighter, and injured several others on Wednesday, as flames rapidly spread across extensive bamboo scaffolding.
The blaze, which quickly escalated to a level-four alarm on Hong Kong’s five-tier system, trapped numerous residents inside the Wang Fuk Court building in the Tai Po district.
Police reported receiving multiple calls about people trapped as thick black smoke billowed from the high-rise structure.
Among the injured were a man and a woman found unconscious and suffering from burn wounds.
Visuals from the scene showed intense flames consuming the bamboo scaffolding installed on the building’s exterior, with burning fragments of green mesh falling to the ground below.
Firefighters and rescue teams are actively working to control the blaze and evacuate those still inside.
Authorities have urged drivers to avoid the affected area and consider using public transport, particularly trains, to allow emergency services unrestricted access.
Wang Fuk Court, a complex comprising eight blocks and over 1,900 units, previously made headlines last year over a contentious renovation proposal.
The building’s owners’ committee approved a renovation plan valued at approximately $42.2 million (HK$330 million), which reportedly faced significant opposition from many property owners.