WEB DESK: At least four people have lost their lives after a fire engulfed multiple high-rise buildings in Hong Kong, with reports indicating that some residents remain trapped inside.
The intense blaze initially ignited on the bamboo scaffolding surrounding at least three apartment buildings at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, a district located in the northern region of the city. The fire, which broke out on Wednesday, quickly spread to other parts of the structures.
According to a spokesperson from the Hong Kong government, four fatalities have been confirmed, with two individuals in critical condition and another in stable condition.
Among the deceased was a firefighter, while at least one man and one woman were reported to have sustained severe burns and were transported to the hospital for treatment. Media sources also reported earlier calls to authorities about people trapped inside.
The fire services department issued a public advisory urging nearby residents to stay indoors, keep their doors and windows closed, and remain calm. They also recommended that the public avoid the affected area until the situation is resolved.
This tragic incident echoes a similar fire just last month when scaffolding on a building in Hong Kong’s central business district caught fire, leading to four people being hospitalized.
