A deadly fire in Hong Kong destroyed parts of a large residential housing complex on Wednesday, killing at least 13 people and injuring many others, according to the city’s Fire Services Department. The blaze spread across seven high-rise apartment towers in the Tai Po district, trapping residents as flames and thick smoke filled the air.
Authorities said nine victims were found dead at the scene, and four more died after being taken to the hospital. At least 15 people were injured, including residents and emergency responders. One firefighter was killed, and another was treated for heat exhaustion.
Large-Scale Emergency Response
More than 700 residents were evacuated as the fire continued burning late into the night. Officials deployed a major response including 128 fire trucks and 57 ambulances. Videos from the scene showed flames shooting from windows as firefighters used ladder trucks to spray water from above.
Hong Kong officials raised the blaze to a level 5 alarm, the highest rating in the city’s emergency response system. Firefighters described dangerous conditions inside the building, including falling debris and extreme heat.
Scaffolding Helped Spread the Flames
The fire is believed to have started on bamboo scaffolding surrounding one of the buildings. High winds may have helped flames spread quickly to neighboring towers. Bamboo scaffolding is common in Hong Kong construction, although officials previously announced plans to phase it out for public projects due to safety concerns.
Records show the affected housing complex contains nearly 2,000 apartments and is home to about 4,800 people. City officials said many of those trapped during the fire were elderly residents.
Survivors Describe Chaos
Residents reported calling emergency services as smoke blocked exits and flames spread around the buildings. One evacuee told local reporters it was difficult to watch the fire destroy their home. “I’ve given up thinking about my property,” the resident, identified only as Mr. Wu, said. “Watching it burn like that was really frustrating.”
District officials opened temporary shelters for displaced families. Updates from authorities are expected as search and rescue operations continue. Coverage of the disaster is ongoing through major global outlets including Reuters and The New York Times.
Cause Still Under Investigation
Officials have not yet confirmed the cause of the fire. The Fire Services Department said it received “numerous” calls for help shortly after the blaze began, and several residents are still unaccounted for.
As firefighters work to reach the upper floors, authorities warn the structure remains unstable because of falling scaffolding and fire damage.
The deadly blaze is now one of the most serious residential fires Hong Kong has experienced in recent years.