4 killed in fire at residential complex in Hong Kong

A massive fire has broken out across several high-rise buildings at the Wang Fuk Court complex in Tai Po district, northern Hong Kong. According to official information as of 5pm local time, four deaths have been confirmed.

Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported that the fire initially ignited on bamboo scaffolding attached to three buildings before spreading further. The complex consists of eight blocks containing around 2,000 flats. Local media reported that one of the dead is a firefighter.

Some residents were trapped inside the buildings during the blaze. Among the injured, at least one man and one woman were admitted to hospital in critical condition with severe burns. Live television footage showed thick smoke rising from the bamboo scaffolding on the high-rise towers.

Firefighters have begun extinguishing operations, and parts of the nearby highway have been closed. Authorities have advised residents to stay indoors, keep doors and windows shut and remain calm. The public has been urged to stay away from the affected area.

Just last month, a fire broke out on scaffolding at a building in Hong Kong’s central business district, sending at least four people to hospital.