Major Fire in Hong Kong Apartment Complex Kills At Least Four, Traps Dozens
A devastating fire at Wang Fuk Court, a residential estate in Tai Po, Hong Kong, has resulted in at least four confirmed deaths, including a firefighter, and injured 15 people, with some in critical condition. The fire broke out at 2:51 pm local time and has been classified as a level five (most serious) blaze, with flames spreading across multiple high-rise buildings. Over 700 firefighters have been deployed to contain the blaze, which has caused extensive damage and led to evacuations of nearby blocks. The fire is believed to have spread via bamboo scaffolding outside the buildings, which Hong Kong authorities have been attempting to phase out due to safety concerns. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with reports indicating more than a dozen people remain trapped inside the complex, including elderly residents and children. The Hong Kong government has set up temporary shelters and a hotline for casualty inquiries, and the chief executive has expressed condolences and ordered full assistance. A 37-year-old firefighter who responded to the scene has been remembered as 'dedicated and gallant,' after succumbing to injuries sustained during the rescue. The incident marks the most severe fire in Hong Kong in 17 years, with authorities continuing to investigate the cause.
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