Fire in Hong Kong claims at least 36 victims, hundreds reported missing

Hong Kong's worst fire in three decades engulfed several residential high-rises in Tai Po on Wednesday. At least 36 people, including a firefighter, were killed and 279 people remain missing, according to authorities.

More than ten hours after the fire broke out, the 32-story towers were still in flames and thick smoke. The rapid spread of the fire was aided by combustible bamboo scaffolding, which the city began replacing with metal for safety earlier this year.

Firefighters are battling high temperatures and difficult access to higher floors.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for "all-out efforts" to extinguish the fire and rescue residents. A major local highway has already been closed due to the tragedy and schools in the Tai Po area will also remain closed on Thursday. The cause of the fire has not yet been announced.

(reuters, sie)