Fire in Hong Kong apartment complex, several buildings destroyed, 44 dead, nearly 300 missing…

New Delhi. A fire broke out in a large residential complex in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district on Wednesday afternoon, shocking the city. The flames suddenly erupted in Wang Phuk Court, a residential complex with 2,000 flats, engulfing several high-rise apartments. Black clouds of smoke were visible from far and wide, causing widespread panic. So far, 44 people have died and 300 are missing in the incident. Rescue operations are underway.

According to government officials, the fire began at around 2:51 pm local time and quickly spread to several floors of the 31-story tower. Given the severity of the situation, the Fire Services Department declared it a “Level 5 Alarm Fire,” the most serious category of fire in Hong Kong.

At least 36 people have been confirmed dead so far, while nearly 300 remain missing. The deceased include a 37-year-old firefighter, whom government officials have paid tribute to as “brave and dedicated.”

Some feared trapped in buildings
The Hong Kong government and Fire Services Department have stated that some people may still be trapped inside buildings, although it is not yet possible to provide an official number. Smoke, heights, and narrow staircases remain the biggest challenges for rescuers.

More than 700 firefighters are on the scene
More than 700 firefighters are continuously working at the scene to extinguish the fire and evacuate people. In many places, water cannons are being sprayed from higher floors using hydraulic ladders. Live footage showed rescue workers risking their lives to enter despite the intense flames and thick smoke.