Hong Kong Fire: 36 Dead, 279 Missing As Flames Rage Through Multiple High-Rises Buildings

Hong Kong Fire: A devastating blaze that ravaged multiple high-rise residential buildings in the Tai Po district of northern Hong Kong, has left 36 people dead, with the death toll expected to rise. The blaze, described as one of the most severe in recent years, spread rapidly across bamboo scaffolding surrounding multiple apartment buildings, trapping residents inside their homes.

At least 279 people remain unaccounted for, and several dozen have been hospitalised.According to Reuters, the death toll from the fire in Hong Kong's Tai Po district has now risen to 36 from 13, after the massive blaze swept through several high-rise residential towers on Wednesday. Officials have warned that more people may still be trapped inside the buildings.

At least four people have died and several others were injured after a major fire broke out at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Hong Kong, today.

The blaze spread quickly along bamboo scaffolding surrounding the residential blocks.pic.twitter.com/82pVeN0FoK

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Hong Kong Fire: How Did Fire Broke Out ?

The fire broke out in the mid-afternoon at Wang Fuk Court, a large housing estate in northern Hong Kong. Officials reported that the flames first ignited the bamboo scaffolding on several blocks before rapidly spreading to other parts of the buildings.

Witnesses described hearing loud cracking sounds, likely from the burning bamboo, as thick black smoke billowed into the sky. An AFP reporter at the scene described ash and flames rising high above at least four towers.

The complex was covered in bamboo scaffolding, a traditional but highly flammable construction method commonly used in Hong Kong’s skyline.

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While bamboo scaffolding remains common, it is being gradually phased out in favour of metal alternatives under new government safety guidelines, CNN reported.

Live footage showed fire engines spraying water at the fierce blaze, but the rapid spread of the fire made containment extremely difficult.

Deputy Director of the Hong Kong Fire Department, Chan Derek Armstrong, stated that the fire was reported at 2:51 pm (local time). By the time firefighters arrived, the bamboo scaffolding surrounding the complex had already been fully engulfed, causing the fire to spread both inside the buildings and to adjacent towers, as reported by CNN.

The blaze on Wednesday is feared to be Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in nearly 30 years. According to CNN, the last major fire tragedy occurred in 1997, when 17 people were killed in a karaoke bar fire. Another fire in 2011 on Fa Yuen Street claimed nine lives. Authorities continue to battle the blaze and search for survivors, with the death toll expected to rise further.

( With inputs from agencies)