Major accident in Hong Kong: 13 killed, many injured in fire across seven high-rise buildings

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu) – A devastating fire broke out late last night in a densely populated housing complex in Hong Kong, causing a major disaster. Thirteen people were killed and several others seriously injured in the blaze that spread through high-rise buildings. Rescue and relief efforts are still underway.

According to the city's fire service, nine people died at the scene. Four others were taken to a hospital, where they were pronounced dead. At least 15 people were injured in the accident and were admitted to various hospitals. About 700 people were evacuated to temporary shelters.

Records show the housing complex consisted of eight blocks containing approximately 2,000 apartments housing approximately 4,800 people. Flames and thick smoke from the raging fire quickly spread over bamboo scaffolding and construction netting erected outside the housing complex. Videos from the scene showed several buildings burning close to each other, with flames and smoke billowing from the windows of several apartments as night fell. Fire brigade personnel were pouring water from overhead trucks onto the raging flames.