The death toll from a massive fire at a residential complex in Hong Kong has risen to 55. The fire broke out at the Wang Fuk Court Complex in the northern district of Tai Po on Wednesday (November 26), which spread rapidly.
The fire broke out at 2:51 p.m. local time on the exterior bamboo scaffolding of the building. The bamboo structure, used during the renovation, and the green safety net surrounding the building quickly caught fire, which quickly spread to the buildings above and nearby. The fire spread to seven of the eight-tower complex.
Officials said early Thursday that four buildings had been brought under control, but work was still underway on the remaining three. It is considered Hong Kong’s deadliest fire since the Sham Shui Po fire in 1962.
The accident occurred amid dry weather and early fire warnings, raising new questions about the city’s fire safety management.