The fire, which began in the afternoon, quickly climbed up bamboo scaffolding and construction netting surrounding the buildings. By night, flames and thick smoke were seen pouring from multiple apartment windows, prompting officials to raise the alarm to level 5, the highest severity.
As many as 13 persons were killed on Wednesday after a major fire swept through several high-rise apartment buildings in Hong Kongโs Tai Po district. Nine persons were found dead at the scene, while four others later died in hospital, AP reported citing the Fire Services Department.
Around 700 residents were evacuated to temporary shelters as the blaze spread rapidly.
The fire, which began in the afternoon, quickly climbed up bamboo scaffolding and construction netting surrounding the buildings. By night, flames and thick smoke were seen pouring from multiple apartment windows, prompting officials to raise the alarm to level 5, the highest severity.
Video footage showed at least five buildings burning simultaneously, with bright flames lighting up the night sky. Local council member Lo Hiu-fung said many of the people trapped inside were elderly residents.
Bamboo scaffolding is widely used in Hong Kong for construction and renovation. However, due to safety concerns, the government has announced plans to phase it out for public projects.
The cause of the fire is under investigation and authorities continue to assess the full scale of the damage.