Bystanders at the scene of a devastating apartment fire in Hong Kong urgently yelled “evacuate!” as flames engulfed a large residential complex. The fire broke out at Wang Fuk Court in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong on Wednesday afternoon, prompting a swift response from firefighters who were alerted at 3:51 pm. The intense blaze, which has spread throughout the building using bamboo scaffolding, has tragically claimed the lives of 13 individuals, as reported by local fire authorities, with several others hospitalized.

Videos capturing the unfolding tragedy in Hong Kong show bystanders urging people to leave as the towering buildings, with a capacity of 2,000, were consumed by flames. Footage shared by a resident on social media documents the progression of the fire, from its initial spark at the base of the structure to the thick smoke enveloping the entire building. The clips depict flaming debris falling from the scaffolding, igniting nearby vegetation and prompting urgent warnings for individuals to evacuate the hazardous vicinity.

Amidst the chaos, one individual can be heard repeatedly shouting for people to evacuate, expressing concern for the safety of bystanders and residents within the complex. Authorities have confirmed that four individuals, including a firefighter, have lost their lives in the fire, while many others are feared to be trapped inside, although the exact number remains uncertain.

Local councilor Mui Sui-fung revealed that numerous residents have reached out for assistance, reporting that they have lost contact with their loved ones. Wang Fuk Court comprises eight tower blocks, each standing 31 storeys tall, providing housing for approximately 4,600 residents across 1,984 flats, according to a government census from 2021.

Firefighters have faced challenges entering the building, with residents initiating their own evacuations shortly before their arrival. Mui expressed optimism that the majority of residents managed to escape to safety before the fire engulfed the area entirely, including those residing in neighboring blocks. Mui stated, “I believe around 95 percent of the residents have been successfully evacuated, and three adjacent public housing blocks have also been cleared.”