Blaze Upgraded to No. 5 Alarm as Multiple Buildings Burn; Firefighter Among the Victims
A devastating fire tore through a high-rise residential complex in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district on Wednesday, killing at least 13 people and injuring 28 others, according to updated information from local authorities. The blaze, which erupted at Wang Fuk Court in the afternoon, rapidly intensified and forced hundreds of residents to evacuate while others remained trapped inside their apartments.
Fire Escalates Rapidly to Hong Kong’s Highest Alarm Level
The fire reportedly began at 2:51 p.m. and spread quickly through the densely populated apartment buildings. Officials raised the alarm level multiple times within minutes:
- Upgraded to No. 3 alarm at 3:02 p.m.
- Raised to No. 4 alarm at 3:34 p.m.
- Escalated again to No. 5 alarm at 6:22 p.m., Hong Kong’s highest level, indicating a citywide emergency response and severe, uncontrollable fire conditions.
As the flames spread across the buildings, thick smoke filled the area and made evacuation efforts increasingly difficult. Firefighters were deployed from multiple districts as the scale of the disaster grew.
13 Dead, Including Firefighter Responding to the Blaze
By around 8 p.m. local time, the death toll had risen to 13, significantly higher than early afternoon reports. Among the victims was 37-year-old firefighter Ho Wai-ho, who collapsed during rescue operations and later died at a hospital. Authorities described his death as a line-of-duty sacrifice amid extremely dangerous conditions.
The 28 injured residents and firefighters were transported to nearby hospitals, with several individuals reported to be in critical condition.
Officials Express Condolences and Pledge Full Emergency Support
Hong Kong’s leadership expressed profound sadness over the tragedy. Officials emphasized that emergency departments were working at full capacity to contain the fire, rescue trapped residents, and support survivors.
Authorities stated that the fire had caused “many casualties” and stressed that the priority remained extinguishing the flames and ensuring the safety of all remaining residents in the affected buildings.
Key Facts About the Tai Po High-Rise Fire
- At least 13 people confirmed dead
- 28 others injured, with several in serious condition
- Fire escalated from No. 3 to No. 5 alarm, Hong Kong’s highest alert
- One firefighter killed in the line of duty
- Numerous residents rescued or evacuated from multiple apartment towers
- Massive emergency response across the city
The incident marks one of Hong Kong’s deadliest residential fires in recent years, and emergency teams continue to monitor the affected building structures and risk of reignition.
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