The number of fatalities from the fire in the residential complex of high-rise buildings in Hong Kong has risen to 55, authorities reported on Thursday, according to LETA citing AP and AFP.
More than 70 people were injured, and another 279 are reported missing.
According to the fire department, the fire has been extinguished in four of the eight residential buildings, while in three others, the flames are under control. One of the high-rises was not engulfed in flames.
About three hours after the alarm was raised, the fire danger level was increased to five — the highest level.
Among the deceased is at least one firefighter. Hong Kong authorities confirmed that a 37-year-old firefighter was found unconscious at the scene and later died in the hospital from his injuries.
The fire engulfed seven high-rises in the Tai Po area — in northern Hong Kong, in the New Territories, near the border with the Chinese city of Shenzhen.
The residential complex consists of eight high-rise buildings, which contain about 2,000 apartments. Each building has 32 floors.
Local media report that all buildings were undergoing renovation and were covered with bamboo scaffolding.
More than 760 firefighters participated in extinguishing the large-scale fire, and about 400 police officers were also deployed at the scene.
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Authorities have launched an investigation, including plans to check compliance with safety regulations regarding the use of bamboo scaffolding and protective green nets that covered the buildings.
According to the South China Morning Post, three men have been arrested in connection with the fire on suspicion of manslaughter.
