At least four people have died and several others injured after a major fire engulfed apartment blocks in Hong Kong’s northern Tai Po district on Wednesday.
The blaze broke out at around 2:51pm local time at Wang Fuk Court, a 2,000-unit residential complex consisting of eight blocks, the Hong Kong government said.
Flames reportedly spread along bamboo scaffolding outside the buildings, while residents were trapped inside.
Seven people have been taken to two hospitals, with four confirmed dead, two in critical condition, and one in stable condition.
Firefighters were also reported among those injured while attempting to suppress the fire.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, which has raised concerns over building safety and emergency response measures in high-density residential areas.
The Hong Kong government has urged residents to stay away from the affected area and allow emergency services to continue their operations.