At least 13 dead as fire engulfs Hong Kong tower blocks

Firefighters are struggling to put out the flames and say they are unsure when the blaze will be fully contained.

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The blaze broke out at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex at 14:51 local time (06:51 GMT) and was upgraded to a level four alarm within 40 minutes. It was raised again, to the highest level, five, at 18:22.

More than 700 firefighters were deployed to tackle the blaze, with footage showing flames and thick clouds of grey smoke billowing from the towers.

The cause is unknown, but the flames are believed to have spread quickly through bamboo scaffolding, used for renovations, which covered the outside of the tower blocks.

Nine people died at the scene, while a further four died later in hospital, fire service officials confirmed on Wednesday evening.