Multiple Deaths in Hong Kong High-Rise Fire Amidst Building Collapse and Rescue Efforts
A devastating fire erupted in a high-rise residential complex in Hong Kong, resulting in at least 13 fatalities and numerous injuries. The fire broke out at Wang Fuk Court in the Tai Po district, affecting over 1,900 apartments across eight buildings. The incident involved large-scale destruction, with thick smoke, towering flames, and burning bamboo scaffolding that likely accelerated the fire's spread. Emergency services deployed more than 700 firefighters to combat the blaze, which was escalated to level 4, the second-highest alert in Hong Kong. Rescuers reported that many residents remain trapped inside, including a woman whose husband fears she is still inside. Among the victims is reportedly a firefighter, highlighting the danger faced by rescue personnel. The cause of the fire remains unknown, but investigations suggest that bamboo scaffolding on the buildings may have contributed to the rapid escalation. Video footage shows flames shooting from the buildings, with some parts of the structures engulfed in flames and debris falling from the facades. The incident has drawn comparisons to other high-rise fires globally, emphasizing ongoing concerns about building safety and fire prevention in densely populated urban areas.
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