VIDEOS. In Hong Kong, a large fire killed at least 13 people in a housing complex

The 30-story tower was completely destroyed by fire. A major fire broke out at an apartment building complex in Hong Kong on Wednesday, November 26, killing at least 13 people according to reports updated by fire officials in the evening (noon Paris time). Previous tallies reported at least four deaths.

“In total, firefighters treated 28 victims, nine of whom were declared dead at the scene. Six others were rushed to hospital in serious condition, four of whom eventually died,” Chou Wing-yin, fire chief, said at a press conference. A 37-year-old firefighter was among the victims, after suffering serious burns, according to the fire director.

According to an AFP journalist on site, at least five of the eight residential towers at the Wang Fuk Court complex, in northern Hong Kong, were affected by the disaster. Bamboo scaffolding, traditional in the region, was erected around the building. It is currently unknown how many residents were inside the building when the fire spread, while local media, citing police, reported people were trapped inside the building.

The fight against the fire continued after dark on Wednesday. Authorities closed part of a nearby highway and, according to the daily South China Morning Postthey began evacuating two buildings from another nearby housing complex. Authorities did not immediately name the possible cause of the fire, which they classified at the highest alert level that dictates the mobilization of emergency services.