"Video from the scene showed at least five buildings close to each other ablaze, with flames coming out of many of the apartments' windows. Firefighters were aiming water at the intense flames from high up on ladder trucks. The raging fire sent up a column of flames and thick smoke as it spread on bamboo scaffolding and construction netting that had been set up around the exterior of the complex in the city's Tai Po district."
"Hours after the fire started, flames and thick smoke still engulfed the 32-storey towers where many people were believed trapped inside. Rescue workers swarmed the site as shocked inhabitants watched on. The cause of the blaze was not immediately known, but it was fanned by green construction mesh and bamboo scaffolding - a mainstay of traditional Chinese architecture but subject to a phase-out in Hong Kong since March for safety reasons."
At least 279 people remained unaccounted for, with several dozen hospitalized and 45 in critical condition. Flames consumed multiple adjacent buildings, erupting from many apartment windows while firefighters directed water from ladder trucks. The blaze spread rapidly via bamboo scaffolding and green construction netting wrapped around the exterior, affecting a complex of eight blocks and nearly 2,000 apartments. The 32-storey towers stayed engulfed hours later, trapping many residents and hampering access to upper floors due to intense heat. Three men were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. One firefighter died and another received treatment for heat exhaustion. The incident occurred in Tai Po, New Territories.
Read at Irish Independent
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