A major fire broke out in a residential building in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district on Wednesday. Thick grey smoke billowed from Wang Fuk Court as emergency teams rushed to control the blaze. Several residents are reportedly trapped, while one man suffered serious burns.
The Hong Kong Fire Department said it received the first report at 2:51 p.m. local time. The alarm was raised to No. 4 by 3:34 p.m. as the fire intensified. Firefighters worked to evacuate residents from the affected tower and nearby blocks.
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Wang Fuk Court is a housing complex of eight blocks, housing nearly 2,000 residents. Several surrounding towers have bamboo scaffolding, which posed additional risks for the firefighters. Emergency crews are coordinating to prevent the fire from spreading further.
Authorities are using ladders and hoses to rescue trapped residents. Police and medical teams have been deployed to assist the injured and evacuate people safely. The man with serious burns was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
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The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Officials urged residents in the area to stay clear and follow safety instructions as firefighters continue to battle the blaze.