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At Least 13 Dead as Massive Blaze Engulfs Hong Kong Apartment Blocks; 700+ Firefighters Deployed

Hong Kong — A devastating fire tore through residential apartment blocks in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district today, killing at least 13 people and leaving 15 others injured, according to local authorities. The inferno, described as one of the most severe in recent years, erupted at Wang Fuk Court, a densely populated housing complex home to roughly 4,600 residents.

The blaze, which has been officially classified as a Level Five fire — the highest and most dangerous tier in Hong Kong’s emergency response system — prompted an enormous operation involving more than 700 firefighters and emergency personnel. The ongoing effort includes dozens of fire trucks, with new units still arriving hours after the fire first broke out.

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Firefighters Battle Extreme Conditions

Eyewitnesses reported thick black smoke billowing out of multiple floors as firefighters fought to control the rapidly spreading flames. According to BBC Chinese journalist Phoebe Kong, who is at the scene, emergency personnel are navigating “intense heat, zero visibility conditions, and structural instability” as parts of the building continue to smolder.

Amid the chaos, Hong Kong’s government confirmed the death of a 37-year-old firefighter who was killed while battling the blaze. Officials hailed him as “dedicated and gallant,” sparking an outpouring of condolences from across the city.

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Residents Trapped, Rescue Operations Continue

Authorities have not confirmed the number of people who may still be trapped inside the complex, but rescue teams are continuing their search floor by floor. Several residents who managed to escape reported hearing alarms and seeing smoke spreading “within seconds,” forcing many to flee without their belongings.

Survivors described emotional scenes of neighbors helping each other escape through smoke-filled corridors while families were separated in the confusion.

Emergency medical units have set up triage stations near the complex to treat the injured, with several victims suffering from severe smoke inhalation and burn-related injuries.

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Largest Fire Response in Recent Years

The sheer scale of the operation — both in manpower and equipment — marks one of the largest firefighting responses in Hong Kong’s recent history. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, though investigators are expected to examine electrical systems, gas lines, and structural components once the building is safe to enter.

Local officials warned that the number of casualties may rise as the search and rescue operation continues into the night.

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City Mourns as Investigations Begin

Flags are expected to fly at half-mast as Hong Kong mourns the victims of the tragedy. Government authorities said a full independent investigation will be launched to determine whether safety or structural shortcomings contributed to the severity of the incident.

Community organizations have begun setting up temporary shelters and support centers for displaced residents who lost their homes or were evacuated during the blaze.

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A City United in Grief

As smoke continues to drift over Tai Po, the tragedy has united Hong Kong in grief and solidarity. The heroic efforts of firefighters — many still working in grueling conditions — have drawn widespread praise.

This breaking story is still developing, and updates will follow as more information becomes available.

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