Fire breaks out across Tai Po high-rises
The chain of events started around 2.50pm on Wednesday, when flames first broke out at the eight-building estate, home to about 2,000 units across 32-storey towers. (Photo credit: AP)
Flames engulfs Wang Fuk court
A massive fire tore through the high-rise estate in Tai Po, Hong Kong, killing at least 44 people and leaving hundreds missing. Smoke and fiery debris rose from the densely packed towers. (Photo credit: AP)
Bamboo scaffolding fueled rapid spread
The buildings, wrapped in flammable bamboo scaffolding during repairs, allowed flames to jump quickly across the estate, destroying flats across seven of the eight towers. (Photo credit: AP)
Emergency crews battled overnight
Firefighters worked through the night amid strong winds and collapsing bamboo, struggling to reach upper floors and rescue trapped residents. (Photo credit: AP)
Heroic loss amid relief efforts
A 37-year-old firefighter died in the blaze after losing contact with colleagues while trying to reach trapped residents. (Photo credit: PTI)
Shelters and relief efforts
Over 900 residents took refuge in temporary shelters while authorities struggled to account for hundreds of missing people, continuing search and rescue operations into Thursday. (Photo credit: AP)
Trapped residents evacuated
Many elderly residents were unaware of the fire as maintenance work kept windows closed; neighbours alerted them via phone calls while rescuers guided evacuations. (Photo credit: AP)
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