A devastating fire has engulfed apartment blocks at Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong’s northern Tai Po district, killing at least four people, including a firefighter, the Hong Kong Fire Service has confirmed. The fire broke out on Wednesday afternoon in a building home to approximately 4,600 residents across nearly 2,000 flats. The building was undergoing renovation when the blaze started. The fire has been classified as a level five—the most serious in Hong Kong. The government reports that three people are in critical condition, one is seriously injured, and another is stable. At least 13 people remain trapped in the building, according to former district councillor Herman Hiu Kwan-ho.
Emergency services have evacuated nearby buildings, established a casualty hotline, and opened temporary shelters for affected residents. Flames were seen spreading along bamboo scaffolding on the exterior of the blocks.
Authorities continue rescue efforts amid concerns for those still trapped.
Several roads have been closed and more than 30 bus routes have been diverted away from the fire, Hong Kong’s Transport department says.
It adds that it is “closely monitoring the real-time traffic situation” as the fire continues.
