At least 13 people have been confirmed d.ead after a fire swept through multiple high-rise buildings in Hong Kong.
The devastating blaze engulfed several tower blocks at Wang Fuk Court, with footage showing at least five of the buildings on fire.
Authorities have confirmed that one of the victims is a firefighter.
So far, 15 people have been reported injured, and three of them are in critical condition after suffering burns.
Fire officials have said they do not yet have data on how many people were inside the buildings, including those who may have become trapped when the fire broke out at around 2:51 pm local time on 26 November.
While the precise cause of the blaze has not been determined, officials believe it may have spread across bamboo scaffolding that had been erected on the buildings.
A massive emergency response is underway, with approximately 700 firefighters deployed to bring the flames under control.
Authorities have identified firefighter Ho Wai-ho, 37, as one of the deceased. He d.ied at Prince of Wales Hospital after being found collapsed at the scene.
Hong Kong Director of Fire Services Andy Yeung said: “Having been a member of the Fire Services Department for about nine years, Mr Ho’s performance was valiant. I am profoundly grieved at the loss of this dedicated and gallant fireman.
“All of our colleagues are deeply saddened by the loss of such a devoted comrade. On behalf of all our colleagues, I have offered the deepest condolences to his family.”
Tai Po District Councillor Mui Siu-fung told the BBC that more than 1,000 residents from the area in the north of Hong Kong have been evacuated to a shelter.
Among them is Harry Cheung, who told Reuters that he has lived in Block Two at Wang Fuk Court for more than 40 years.
Harry said he heard “a very loud noise” at about 6:45 am GMT, or 2:45 pm local time.
“I immediately went back to pack up my things,” he said, adding: “I don’t even know how I feel right now. I’m just thinking about where I’m going to sleep tonight because I probably won’t be able to go back home.”
According to its website, Wang Fuk Court has been occupied since 1983.
The housing complex operates under a government scheme for subsidised home ownership and is home to about 4,600 people.
