HONG KONG — A devastating fire engulfed seven high-rise apartment buildings in a housing complex in Tai Po, Hong Kong, resulting in the deaths of 13 individuals, according to the city's fire services. The incident occurred on Wednesday, with nine victims pronounced dead at the scene and four others succumbing to their injuries after being transported to the hospital. At least 15 additional people sustained injuries during the blaze.

The fire broke out in the afternoon and rapidly spread, fueled by bamboo scaffolding and construction netting surrounding the buildings. This construction material is commonly used in Hong Kong but has raised safety concerns. As night fell, the fire escalated to a level 5 alarm, the highest severity rating, indicating the intensity of the situation.

Firefighters deployed 128 fire trucks and 57 ambulances to combat the flames, which sent thick smoke and bright flames shooting from numerous apartment windows. Video footage captured the chaotic scene, showing multiple buildings ablaze as firefighters worked from ladder trucks to douse the fire.

The housing complex consists of eight blocks with nearly 2,000 apartments, home to approximately 4,800 residents. Many of those trapped in the fire were believed to be elderly, according to local officials. Lo Hiu-fung, a member of the Tai Po District Council, expressed concern for the vulnerable residents caught in the disaster.

Authorities have evacuated around 700 people to temporary shelters as they work to assess the situation. One firefighter was among the deceased, and another is receiving treatment for heat exhaustion. The Fire Services Department confirmed that they had received multiple reports of individuals trapped within the buildings, but specific details were not provided.

Residents expressed their distress over the incident. One individual, identified only by his surname Wu, shared his feelings of helplessness, stating, "I’ve given up thinking about my property. Watching it burn like that was really frustrating."

The Tai Po area, located in the northern part of Hong Kong near the Shenzhen border, is known for its suburban environment. In light of safety concerns, the government has announced plans to phase out bamboo scaffolding for public projects in the future. The fire continued to rage late into the night as emergency services worked tirelessly to control the situation and assist those affected.