A devastating fire has ripped through several high-rise tower blocks in Hong Kong, killing at least 13 people and injuring 15 more. There are reports of missing people, and thousands have been evacuated to nearby shelters.
Pictures show several buildings ablaze and thick smoke billowing into the air, dominating Hong Kong's skyline. As night fell, the fire was still burning hours after it was first reported, with 767 firefighters deployed to the scene.
What caused the blaze is still unclear, but here is what we do know, so far.
Where and when did the fire start?
The blaze broke out at Wang Fuk Court, a large housing complex in Hong Kong's Tai Po district, at 14:51 local time on Wednesday (06:51 GMT).
Wang Fuk Court consists of eight tower blocks, each 31-stories high. Seven of them have been affected by the fire, Tai Po District Councillor Mui Siu-fung told BBC Chinese. These blocks provide 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 residents, according to the 2021 government census.
Built in 1983, the tower blocks were undergoing renovations, and the outside of the buildings was covered in bamboo scaffolding and construction netting. Footage shows the fire spreading quickly through the bamboo.
Residents have reported that fire alarms did not sound.
How serious is the fire?
The Hong Kong fire department has classified the blaze as a level five alarm - the highest in severity. Initially declared a level four within 40 minutes of the fire breaking out, it was raised again three-and-a-half hours later, marking the first level five fire in Hong Kong in 17 years.
Local media reported hearing explosions inside the building, and firefighters faced difficulties accessing higher levels due to the severity of the heat and falling debris. Debris and scaffolding of the affected building are falling down, posing additional danger to our front-line personnel, said Derek Armstrong Chan of the fire services.
The situation remains dire as trapped residents await rescue.
What do we know about the victims?
The death toll has risen significantly since the initial reports. Local officials confirmed that 13 people have died, and there are fears that more could be found as search efforts continue. Of the deceased, nine were declared dead at the scene, including a firefighter, Ho Wai-ho, who had served for nine years.
Emergency hotlines and shelters set up
A mass evacuation has occurred, affecting surrounding buildings as well. Multiple emergency shelters have been established, with some already filled to capacity. Signs of distress among residents, especially the elderly, have been reported as they seek refuge from the inferno.
Hong Kong and bamboo scaffolding
The buildings involved were covered in bamboo scaffolding, a common sight in Hong Kong that has both cultural significance and safety concerns. The local government has been trying to phase out its use due to issues like high combustibility following previous accidents. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but its spread through the bamboo is being scrutinized closely.
Additional reporting by Jack Lau, BBC Global China Unit and Gemini Cheng, BBC Chinese in Hong Kong.
