Hong Kong High-Rise Blaze at Wang Fuk Court Kills Four, Residents Trapped
A massive fire broke out on Wednesday afternoon at Wang Fuk Court, a residential housing estate in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong. The fire, which erupted at around 2:51 p.m., quickly spread across bamboo scaffolding covering several high-rise blocks.
The city’s Fire Services Department confirmed four fatalities and at least three people wounded; local media cited reports that one of the deceased may have been a firefighter — though that remains unconfirmed.
Police and emergency services say several residents remain trapped inside the buildings. At least two people suffered severe burns, and other residents, unable to escape the thick smoke and flames, called for help.
Authorities have issued a No. 4 fire alarm, the second-highest level under Hong Kong’s fire-alert system, mobilizing ladder trucks and rescue teams. Nearby roads have been closed and transport services diverted as efforts continue to extinguish the blaze and evacuate residents.
