A catastrophic fire erupted in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district on Wednesday afternoon, engulfing multiple high-rise buildings in the Wang Fuk Court housing complex. The blaze, which began at 14:51 local time, quickly escalated to a level four alarm within 40 minutes and was later upgraded to the highest level five by 18:22. Tragically, at least four people have lost their lives, including one firefighter, while three others are critically injured. Local media, citing former district councillor Herman Yiu Kwan-ho, reported that 13 individuals, including eight elderly residents and two infants, remain trapped in the inferno. Additionally, 14 pet cats are also believed to be stranded. The fire’s rapid spread is attributed to bamboo scaffolding surrounding the buildings, a common but increasingly scrutinized construction practice in Hong Kong. Authorities have established temporary shelters and assistance hotlines to support affected residents. The incident has left the community in shock, with the full extent of the damage yet to be determined.