A devastating fire broke out in a high-rise residential complex in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district on Wednesday, resulting in four fatalities and leaving several others trapped, according to local authorities. The Hong Kong government confirmed the deaths and reported that three individuals were hospitalized, with two in critical condition and one stable. While unverified, local media suggested that one of the deceased was a firefighter. Emergency services received numerous distress calls from residents trapped inside the burning building. The fire, which erupted mid-afternoon, rapidly escalated to a No. 4 alarm, the second-highest severity level, as flames and thick smoke engulfed bamboo scaffolding surrounding the structure. Firefighters battled the blaze from elevated ladder trucks, but the intensity of the fire posed significant challenges. Tai Po, a suburban area in Hong Kong’s New Territories near Shenzhen, is known for its use of bamboo scaffolding in construction and renovation projects. However, the government has recently announced plans to phase out bamboo scaffolding in public projects due to safety concerns.
Fire rages through bamboo scaffolding at Hong Kong high-rise residential complex, killing 4
