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| The fires are still burning in a Taipo housing estate |
Hong Kong is on edge watching fires still raging nine hours later engulfing several buildings in a housing estate in Taipo, where at least 13 people, including one firefighter died in the No. 5 blaze, the highest rating in severity.
The residential buildings at Wang Fuk Court were covered in bamboo scaffolding when the fires broke out this afternoon after 3pm. Currently there are reports of 70 people still trapped, 200 missing.
News reports say 128 fire trucks, 57 ambulances, 767 firefighters and 400 police officers were deployed to the scene.
According to the New York Times, a 74-year-old resident heard a firefighter pounding on his door to evacuate after 3pm, but he and his wife refused to move and it wasn't until three hours later they were rescued.
Andy Yeung Yan-kin, Hong Kong's director of fire services said the heat was so hot inside the buildings it was difficult to rescue people.
The city's residents will not be sleeping tonight; some have brought noodles, bread and water to rescuers and victims.
This fire reminds me of the November 1996 Garley Building fire in Jordan where 41 people died, making it the worst building fire in Hong Kong in peacetime. One of the casualties was an acquaintance's brother who was a firefighter.
However, this Taipo fire may be worse at this rate.
We are all anxiously watching.
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