A massive fire broke out in a high-rise building in a residential complex in Hong Kong. The tragic incident claimed the lives of 13 people.
Nearly 700 people have been evacuated
According to the fire service, several people are still feared trapped. Nearly 700 people have been evacuated. The cause of the fire is not yet known, but an investigation is ongoing.
Visuals from the site showed bright flames ripping through multiple floors, with thick black smoke billowing into the sky.
Affected buildings were covered in bamboo scaffolding
The affected buildings were covered in bamboo scaffolding–a common feature in Hong Kong’s construction and renovation work–which is more flammable than the metal scaffolding used in many other major cities, The New York Times reported.
Incident occurred in the northeastern part of the city’s new territories
The incident occurred in the northeastern part of the city’s New Territories, prompting a significant emergency response as firefighters worked to contain the blaze.
