Fire Breaks Out in Hong Kong’s Tai Po District, Claims 13 Lives
A devastating fire swept through multiple residential towers in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district on Wednesday, resulting in at least 13 fatalities and leaving several others trapped inside.
The Hong Kong Fire Services Department reported that the fire began at Wang Fuk Court around 2:50 PM. By 6:22 PM, the incident had escalated to a No. 5 alarm, the highest level of emergency response in the region.
In a government statement, it was disclosed that nine individuals were rushed to nearby hospitals, including Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital and the Prince of Wales Hospital. The condition of those hospitalized varied: four were declared dead, three were reported in critical condition, one was classified as serious, and another was stable.
Hong Kong’s Secretary for Security, Tang Ping-keung, confirmed that one firefighter also lost his life while battling the flames. “I am deeply saddened by the loss of Mr. Ho, who died during the operation. My condolences go out to his family,” he stated.
Images from the scene captured the towers engulfed in flames, with thick black smoke billowing from various floors. Firefighters worked tirelessly to control the blaze, while one distressed man was seen pleading for help, worried about his wife still inside.
Among the residents, 83-year-old Chan Kwong-tak shared with local media that fire alarms failed to activate during the emergency, potentially putting lives at risk. “If someone was sleeping at that moment, they were in danger,” he lamented.
Former Tai Po district councillor Herman Yiu Kwan-ho echoed these concerns, noting that residents reported not hearing the alarms even after noticing the smell of smoke. Many were only alerted to the danger when security personnel came knocking on their doors, leaving them with minimal time to escape.
In response to the crisis, the Tai Po District Office set up temporary shelters at the Kwong Fuk Community Hall and Tung Cheong Street Community Hall for those affected.
