Death toll rises to 44 in massive fire at Hong Kong

At least 44 people have been killed after a massive fire broke out in a high-rise residential complex in northern Hong Kong, international media reported on Thursday.

According to reports, the blaze erupted in one of the multi-storey buildings of the large residential estate.

The Fire Department classified it as a Level 4 fire, indicating a major incident, and has been battling the flames for several hours.

Authorities confirmed that 29 people have been injured, while the dead include one firefighter. Several firefighters engaged in extinguishing the blaze were also hurt during the operation.

Officials said that 279 residents are currently unaccounted for, and many people are still believed to be trapped inside the building.

Rescue operations are ongoing, while approximately 700 residents have been moved to temporary shelters.

The residential complex consists of eight blocks, each 31 floors high, housing nearly 2,000 apartments with an estimated 5,000 residents.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, according to the news agency.