A fire that engulfed residential buildings in Hong Kong has killed 13 people, media reported. The fire broke out on bamboo scaffolding on several buildings in the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Tai Po, a northern area of the city, before spreading to other parts of the structures.
Thick columns of smoke were seen billowing from at least five of the eight buildings in the complex, with ash flying through the air. There were no signs of the fire abating as night fell, with the orange glow of the raging flames reflecting off the surrounding buildings.
Government fire services reported 13 fatalities, nine at the scene and four in the hospital, and 15 injuries, two of whom are in critical condition. A 37-year-old firefighter was also missing for about half an hour before being found with facial burns and was later pronounced dead in hospital, according to the service. Authorities have classified the fire as a five-alarm incident, the highest level of alert, as night fell.
