Four people killed in fire in high-rise block in Hong Kong

Four people have died in a fire which has engulfed a high-rise residential complex in Hong Kong.

Police said that eight people had been injured, including three who were unconscious, in the blaze at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in the city's Tai Po district, reported the Associated Press.

Officers added they had received multiple reports of people trapped in the buildings.

The South China Morning Post reported that four people - including a firefighter - had been killed and the blaze had spread to at least "three blocks in the estate".

Another two individuals were in a critical condition with severe burns, broadcaster RTHK reported, citing police sources.

A number of other firefighters were also said to have been injured while trying to tackle the flames as they ripped through the 31-storey towers.

The fire, which broke out at 2.51pm local time, had spread on bamboo scaffolding set up around the exterior of the complex, reports said.

Firefighters have been seen aiming water at the intense flames from high up on ladder appliances.

Pictures showed thick grey smoke billowing out from the complex as emergency services battled to control the blaze.

Tai Po is in the northern part of Hong Kong and close to the border with the mainland Chinese city of Shenzhen.

Bamboo scaffolding is a common sight in Hong Kong at building construction and renovation projects.

However, the government said earlier this year it would start phasing it out for public projects because of safety concerns.

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