13 Killed in major Hong Kong apartment fire

New Delhi, Nov 26: At least 13 people have died, and 15 others have been injured in a massive fire that swept through apartment blocks in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong, according to the BBC. More than 700 firefighters have been deployed to tackle the blaze at Wang Fuk Court, a residential complex housing about 4,600 people. BBC Chinese reporter Phoebe Kong said dozens of fire trucks were still arriving at the scene.

Authorities paid tribute to a 37-year-old firefighter who lost his life while battling the flames, calling him “dedicated and gallant.”

Residents have appealed to local officials for help, saying they have lost contact with family members still inside the buildings, a local councillor told the BBC. The fire has been classified as the highest emergency category in Hong Kong.