At Least 12 People Killed as Deadly Fire Rips Through Hong Kong Apartment Blocks

At least 12 people have died after a major fire swept through an apartment complex in Hong Kong, authorities said.

The blaze broke out at Wang Fuk Court in the northern Tai Po district at around 2:15 p.m. local time on Wednesday, Nov. 26, according to a government statement. The incident was initially classified as a No. 3 alarm fire before being escalated to a No. 5 alarm — the highest level — by Wednesday evening.

According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the victims included eight women and three men. Another 16 people were reported injured.

A 37-year-old firefighter also lost his life in the operation. SCMP reported that he became separated from his team at around 3:30 p.m. local time. He was found roughly 30 minutes later with severe burns to his face and was pronounced dead at 4:45 p.m.

Images from the scene showed multiple residential blocks engulfed in thick smoke and flames. SCMP further reported that 13 residents were believed to be trapped inside the complex during the fire, including eight elderly people and two babies, according to former Tai Po district councillor Herman Yiu Kwan-ho.

More than 100 pets were also said to be trapped in the buildings during the blaze.

“Residents in the vicinity are advised to remain indoors with doors and windows closed, remain calm, and avoid traveling to areas affected by the fire,” the Hong Kong Fire Department wrote in a post on Facebook.

The housing estate where the fire started contains around 2,000 flats across eight blocks and is home to approximately 4,000 people. The development, occupied since 1983, is part of the government’s subsidized home ownership scheme, according to reports from the BBC and Reuters.

SCMP also reported that temporary shelters have been set up in the Tai Po district for evacuated residents.

Hong Kong’s Transport Department announced on Facebook that Tai Po Road, one of the city’s major highways, would remain closed following the incident.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.