A massive fire erupted in Tai Po on Wednesday afternoon. The blaze turned a residential complex into a towering inferno.
The fire started mid-day. It spread rapidly through the bamboo scaffolding surrounding the building. Consequently, the flames climbed vertically with terrifying speed.
A Skyline Obscured by Smoke
Witnesses watched in alarm as thick black smoke billowed into the sky. The plume was visible from kilometers away in the New Territories.
The scaffolding acted as a kindling cage. This traditional construction material accelerated the spread of the fire. Therefore, initial containment efforts were complicated for first responders.
Emergency Services Declare No. 4 Alarm
The situation became severe quickly. Emergency services escalated the incident to a No. 4 alarm. This is one of the highest classifications in the local fire service’s system.
A disaster of this scale requires massive manpower. A fleet of fire engines and ambulances rushed to the area. Firefighters deployed aerial ladder trucks. They directed high-pressure water jets into the heart of the blaze.
Residents Trapped and Injured
Inside the complex, the situation was perilous. Several residents were trapped as smoke and heat intensified. Responders performed daring rescue operations to save them.
Initial reports regarding casualties were conflicting. However, officials eventually confirmed that at least three individuals sustained injuries. Medical teams treated them on-site before transporting them for further care.
Aftermath and Safety Concerns
Tai Po was brought to a standstill by the emergency. The district is densely populated and located near the border with Shenzhen.
Eventually, firefighters brought the flames under control. The charred remnants of the bamboo frame hung precariously from the building.
This incident has raised immediate safety concerns. Experts are questioning protocols for high-rise renovations. Specifically, they are worried about the flammability of materials used in dense urban environments.
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