At least 13 dead as massive fire engulfs Hong Kong apartments

A fire spread across seven high-rise apartment buildings in a Hong Kong housing complex, killing 13 people and leaving others still trapped, in the city's worst blaze in years.

- ASSOCIATED PRESS

The residential complex, in Tai Po district, consisted of eight buildings with almost 2,000 apartments housing about 4,800 people

(PHOTO: REUTERS)

Nine people were declared dead at the scene and four others who were sent to the hospital were later confirmed dead, authorities told reporters. At least 15 others were injured, and about 700 people have been evacuated to temporary shelters.

The raging fire sent up a column of flames and thick smoke as it spread quickly on bamboo scaffolding and construction netting that had been setup around the exterior of the housing complex in Tai Po district, in the New Territories. Records show the housing complex consisted of eight buildings with almost 2,000 apartments housing about 4,800 people.