How the Hong Kong fire unfolded visual guide

"Dozens of people have died in a huge fire that engulfed several residential tower blocks in Hong Kong, home to thousands of people, on Wednesday afternoon. Many more are in a critical condition and hundreds remain missing, with the fire continuing to burn into Thursday morning. The fire was first reported at 2.52pm on Wednesday, at the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Tai Po, in the northern New Territories."

"The exact cause of the fire remains unknown, but officials say it started on the external scaffolding of Wang Cheong House, before spreading to seven of the eight buildings in the densely packed complex. As the fire spread, hundreds of residents were evacuated from the complex of almost 2,000 apartments, which house about 4,800 residents, including many elderly people. About 200 fire trucks and more than 100 ambulances were deployed to the scene, according to local media."

"Firefighters working through the night struggled to reach the top floors of the 31-storey towers where many people were thought to be trapped. A 37-year-old firefighter is known to be among the dead. Falling debris and the extreme heat of the blaze made it difficult for rescuers to access the building and officials said that since the complex was undergoing maintenance, many residents kept their windows shut and did not hear the fire alarm."

A massive fire began on external bamboo scaffolding at Wang Cheong House within the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Tai Po, northern New Territories. The blaze spread to seven of eight closely packed 31-storey towers, consuming scaffolding and exterior surfaces. Dozens of residents died, hundreds remain missing and many are critically injured. Nearly 2,000 apartments housing about 4,800 residents were affected, including many elderly people. About 200 fire trucks and over 100 ambulances were deployed as firefighters worked through the night to reach upper floors. Debris and extreme heat hindered rescues, and maintenance-related closed windows prevented some residents from hearing alarms.

Read at www.theguardian.com