A devastating fire in a residential apartment complex in Hong Kong's Tai Po district has resulted in the loss of at least four lives and left three others injured. The incident unfolded on Wednesday, with emergency services responding promptly to the alarming situation at Wang Fuk Court.
The fire ignited at approximately 2:51 p.m., quickly escalating in severity. Within minutes, the Hong Kong government upgraded the fire's status to a No. 3 alarm at 3:02 p.m. This was followed by another upgrade to a No. 4 alarm at 3:34 p.m., reflecting the urgent nature of the emergency. By 6:22 p.m., officials announced that the fire had reached a critical No. 5 alarm level, indicating a significant threat to life and property.
In the aftermath of the fire, nine individuals were transported to two local hospitals for treatment. Tragically, four of these individuals were pronounced dead upon arrival. Among the survivors, three are reported to be in critical condition, while one person is in serious condition and another remains stable, according to reports from city officials.
Photos and videos from the scene depict severe damage to several buildings within the complex, highlighting the fire's destructive force. The community in Tai Po is now grappling with the aftermath, as authorities continue to investigate the cause of this tragic incident.
This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. The community and local officials are working diligently to address the situation and support those affected by the fire.
Contributions to this report were made by ABC News' Joe Simonetti and Charlotte Gardiner.