Deadly Fire Engulfs Hong Kong High-Rises, 13 Killed/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A deadly fire tore through seven high-rise buildings in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district, killing 13 people and injuring at least 15. The blaze spread rapidly via bamboo scaffolding and construction netting. Over 700 residents were evacuated, with many left homeless.
Hong Kong High-Rise Fire Quick Looks
- 13 confirmed dead, including one firefighter
- Fire swept through seven towers in Tai Po housing complex
- At least 15 injured, many hospitalized
- Over 700 residents evacuated to temporary shelters
- Fire spread via bamboo scaffolding and netting
- Blaze upgraded to 5-alarm, highest severity level
- 128 fire trucks, 57 ambulances dispatched
- Cause of fire under investigation
- District shelters opened for displaced families
- Fire services warned of bamboo scaffolding dangers
Deep Look: Hong Kong Apartment Fire Kills 13, Traps Dozens in High-Rise Inferno
HONG KONG — A massive fire erupted on Tuesday afternoon, tearing through seven high-rise residential buildings in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district, killing 13 people and injuring at least 15, local fire authorities confirmed. The tragedy unfolded in a densely populated public housing complex and has triggered an urgent review of safety protocols involving building construction materials.
The Fire Services Department revealed that nine victims died at the scene, while four others succumbed to their injuries after being transported to the hospital. The fire also claimed the life of one firefighter, while another remains hospitalized for heat exhaustion.
A Raging Inferno Fueled by Construction Materials
Authorities say the fire spread rapidly through bamboo scaffolding and synthetic construction netting installed around the housing complex, intensifying the flames and complicating rescue operations. The structures were under maintenance at the time. Tai Po, a suburban area near the Shenzhen border in the New Territories, is known for its tight clusters of residential buildings, making fire containment especially difficult.
Video footage showed a dramatic wall of flames and heavy black smoke pouring from multiple buildings as fire crews worked urgently. Firefighters used high-reach ladder trucks to spray water onto the blazing buildings as the fire escalated quickly, especially after dusk. Residents described the chaos as flames leapt from window to window in the close-knit tower blocks.
Emergency Response on a Massive Scale
The fire broke out mid-afternoon and worsened significantly into the evening. By nightfall, authorities had raised the alarm level to a 5, the highest on Hong Kong’s fire emergency scale. The blaze continued raging well past midnight.
According to Fire Services Director Andy Yeung, the city deployed 128 fire trucks and 57 ambulances in one of the largest emergency mobilizations in recent memory. First responders worked through intense heat and poor visibility to locate trapped residents.
Police said they received multiple distress calls reporting individuals stranded in upper floors. While details about the number of people trapped are still unclear, local district council member Lo Hiu-fung reported that many of those affected were elderly and may have struggled to evacuate quickly.
Shelters and Survivors
Roughly 700 residents were evacuated and housed in temporary shelters set up by district authorities. The housing estate consists of eight blocks and houses approximately 4,800 people across nearly 2,000 apartments.
One affected resident, Mr. Wu, shared his anguish with local broadcaster TVB. “I’ve given up thinking about my property. Watching it burn like that was really frustrating,” he said.
Concerns Over Bamboo Scaffolding Safety
Bamboo scaffolding is widely used in Hong Kong for both residential and commercial construction due to its low cost and flexibility. However, this incident has reignited long-standing safety concerns. Earlier in the year, government officials announced plans to begin phasing out bamboo scaffolding in public construction projects, citing the risks of fire and structural collapse.
While the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, early evidence suggests that the combination of flammable scaffolding, construction materials, and strong winds contributed to the rapid spread of the flames.
Moving Forward: A City Mourns and Reflects
This incident stands as one of the deadliest urban fires in Hong Kong in years and has sparked demands for stricter safety standards and faster enforcement of construction regulations. City officials have promised a full investigation and pledged support for the families affected.
Authorities are expected to release further updates as rescue efforts continue and forensic teams begin analyzing the scene for clues.
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