A massive fire has resulted in the tragic loss of at least 13 lives in the high-rise apartment blocks of Hong Kong. The fire, which erupted at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in the northern Tai Po district, has engulfed multiple buildings. With a total of 767 firefighters on the scene, efforts are ongoing to contain the blaze that started at 2.51 pm local time on Wednesday.

The Wang Fuk Court complex comprises eight tower blocks, each standing 31 storeys high. Despite continued firefighting efforts late into the evening, numerous flats are still fully ablaze, and the death toll currently stands at 13. Witnesses reported hearing explosions and observing sparks emanating from the burning buildings, prompting many residents to flee the scene.

In response to the fire, the Hong Kong Education Bureau has announced the closure of several schools in the Tai Po district, with support services being provided to affected students at temporary shelters. Tang Ping-keung, the Secretary for Security in Hong Kong, expressed his condolences following the death of firefighter Ho Wai-ho during the operation to combat the blaze.

As the fire continues to rage past 11.30 pm in Hong Kong, the fate of individuals trapped in the buildings remains uncertain. Chinese President Xi Jinping has extended his sympathies to the families of the deceased and called for concerted efforts to extinguish the flames swiftly and minimize casualties and property damage.

The fire, which initially broke out at 2.51 pm local time, escalated rapidly through the Wang Fuk Court complex, necessitating the evacuation of over 1,000 residents to nearby shelters. With the blaze reaching a level five emergency classification by early afternoon, the situation remains critical as emergency services strive to bring the inferno under control.