Four Dead as Blaze Sweeps Through Hong Kong Towers

At least four people were killed after a major fire tore through several high-rise residential blocks in Hong Kong on Wednesday, authorities confirmed, as local media reported that some residents had been trapped inside.

The blaze began on bamboo scaffolding surrounding at least three apartment towers at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, in the city’s northern district, before spreading to other parts of the structures.

By 5:00 pm (0900 GMT), officials said four people had been confirmed dead, including a firefighter, while two others remained in critical condition and another was reported stable.

Local media reported that at least one man and one woman were taken to hospital unconscious with severe burns. Police earlier received multiple calls about residents trapped inside the buildings.

Live footage showed thick plumes of smoke rising from the scaffolding surrounding the towers. The fire was classified as a four-alarm blaze, Hong Kong’s second-highest alert level.

Fire crews also shut down sections of a nearby highway as they battled the flames.

“Residents in the vicinity are advised to stay indoors, keep doors and windows closed, and remain calm,” the Fire Services Department said, urging the public to avoid the affected area.

The incident comes a month after a separate blaze on the scaffolding of a building in Hong Kong’s central business district left four people injured.