By: The Trek News Desk
A massive fire that erupted in the Tai Po district on Wednesday afternoon has become one of Hong Kong’s deadliest disasters in over sixty years. Authorities have confirmed at least 44 fatalities, while around 280 residents remain unaccounted for.
How the Fire Started
According to early investigations, the blaze began on bamboo scaffolding fixed to the exterior of a residential tower for renovation work.
The flames then leapt to the green protective netting, spreading with alarming speed across adjacent buildings.
Within minutes, smoke and fire engulfed several towers, leaving residents scrambling for safety.
This is the deadliest incident since the 1962 Sham Shui Po fire, which also killed 44 people.
Firefighting Operation May Continue Until Thursday Evening
Reports from the scene indicate that thick smoke is still pouring from the Wang Fuk Court housing complex.
Fire crews are directing water onto the burning structures using high ladder trucks, but intense heat, strong winds, and the height of the towers are making the rescue operation extremely difficult.
Officials warn that efforts to fully extinguish the blaze may continue until Thursday evening.
A Massive Residential Cluster
The Wang Fuk Court estate comprises eight towers, housing nearly 2,000 apartments and approximately 4,800 residents.
Built in the 1980s, the complex has been undergoing extensive renovation in recent months, conditions that allowed the scaffolding and netting to ignite and help the fire spread rapidly.
Raging Towers and Heavy Emergency Deployment
Hundreds of firefighters and emergency workers remained on duty throughout the night as families evacuated to temporary shelters. The intensity of the blaze caused multiple towers to catch fire simultaneously, forcing rescue teams to work dangerously close to the flames.
Authorities said crews had to repeatedly reposition themselves due to falling debris and the extreme temperatures radiating from the buildings.
Source: News Agencies
