British News Agency

According to the BBC, the fire spread to nearby skyscrapers. It is believed that the flames were carried by bamboo scaffolding attached to the exterior of the buildings. Emergency response teams were dispatched to the scene. The complex houses 4,600 residents and contains around 2,000 apartments.

The Hong Kong government announced that the fire started at 14:51 local time.

Due to the fire, part of the Tai Po highway was closed, and buses were rerouted.

Police evacuated two nearby blocks and set up a hotline for public inquiries about victims.

Former district councilor Herman Yiu Kwan-ho told a local newspaper that at least 13 people were still trapped inside the burning skyscrapers.

Authorities stated that the fire alert level had been raised to level 5, the highest possible.

According to the South China Morning Post, 13 people were killed and at least 16 were seriously injured. One of the victims was a firefighter.

Firefighting efforts involved 128 fire engines, 57 ambulances, 767 firefighters, and 400 police officers.

Several fires have broken out this year on bamboo scaffolding, causing at least five deaths. Authorities have been urged to conduct a full investigation into the cause of the blaze.