13 killed as massive fire engulfs high-rise apartment blocks in Hong Kong, many residents trapped inside

HONG KONG: A massive fire broke out in a multi-storey building in the Tai Po area of ​​Hong Kong. The South China Morning Post reports that 13 people, including residents and fire brigade personnel, died in the tragic incident. At least 15 people are reported to have been seriously injured. The fire broke out in bamboo structures used to support construction in about seven blocks. Residents are trapped in these places.

Police received information that men and women with burns are lying unconscious inside the building. Authorities labelled the incident as the 'most severe' level 5 fire accident. The disaster occurred at 6.22 pm local time. The thick smoke and the blazing fire are making it difficult for firefighters to reach the area.

About 2,000 families live in this area. It is not clear how many of them are trapped inside. 128 fire engines, 767 fire force personnel and 400 police officers are involved in the rescue operation at the site. About 700 people have reached the rescue centre. Nine people died at the scene, and four died in the hospital. The massive fire broke out in one of the most densely populated areas in the world.