 "Fire burns bamboo scaffolding across multiple buildings at Wang Fuk Court housing estate, in Tai Po, Hong Kong, China, on Wednesday. Reuters")
At least 13 people have died in a massive fire that engulfed multiple buildings at a high-rise residential complex in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district.
According to a Sky News report, citing authorities, nine people were pronounced dead at the scene, while four others later died in hospital.
About 700 residents have been evacuated to temporary shelters, though officials warned that others remain trapped in the blaze at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex, added the report.
The fatalities included one firefighter, officials confirmed.
Three people are in critical condition with burn injuries, while additional residents and firefighters sustained injuries while trying to tackle the flames.
Video from the scene showed flames consuming at least five closely situated buildings. Fire officials said they do not yet have an estimate of how many people may still be inside.
The fire, which broke out at 2:51 pm local time, spread along bamboo scaffolding erected around the exterior of the 31-storey towers, where renovation work was reportedly underway, reported Sky News.
Firefighters were seen directing water at the intense flames from ladders, while thick grey smoke billowed from the buildings. Flames and smoke continued to pour from windows as night fell.
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View AllWang Fuk Court comprises eight blocks housing nearly 2,000 apartments and is part of the government’s subsidised home ownership scheme. The complex has been occupied since 1983, according to its website.
Tai Po is located in northern Hong Kong, near the border with the mainland Chinese city of Shenzhen. Bamboo scaffolding is commonly used in Hong Kong for construction and renovation projects, though the government said earlier this year it would begin phasing it out in public projects over safety concerns.
With inputs from agencies