A massive fire ripped through a high-rise residential block in Tai Po on Wednesday afternoon, turning the entire building into a wall of flames within minutes.
How It Started
The fire broke out around midday. Flames raced up the bamboo scaffolding that wrapped the tower for renovation work, acting like a giant ladder for the blaze.
Black Smoke for Miles
Thick black smoke poured into the sky, visible across the New Territories and even parts of Shenzhen. The speed shocked onlookers what began on lower floors quickly swallowed the upper levels.
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Fire services raised the incident to No. 4 alarm the second-highest level. Dozens of fire engines, ambulances and aerial platforms flooded the scene. Firefighters battled from the ground and from ladder trucks with powerful water cannons.
Residents Trapped Inside
Several people were stuck in their flats as corridors filled with smoke. Rescue teams carried out high-risk operations to bring them to safety.
At least three residents were injured and needed hospital treatment.
After the Flames
The fire is now under control, but the building’s exterior is blackened and the burnt bamboo scaffolding hangs dangerously from the structure.
The incident has triggered urgent questions about the use of highly flammable bamboo scaffolding on tall residential blocks in crowded districts.
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