Hong Kong fire fighters
Fire fighters and police officers investigate a fire scene in Hong Kong, south China, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020. Image Credit: AP

Hong Kong: City authorities said a fire in a crowded residential district in Hong Kong has "caused a number of deaths and injuries,'' with local media putting the number of dead at seven.

The blaze occurred Sunday night in Yau Ma Tei, a usually bustling area in Kowloon, packed with old apartment blocks, shops, and businesses, according to a police report.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam issued a statement shortly after midnight saying that she was "deeply saddened that the fire in Yau Ma Tei last night caused a number of deaths and injuries.''

The South China Morning Post newspaper reported that four men and three women aged 9 to 40 were killed in the blaze. It said 11 other people were injured, including seven hospitalised in critical condition.

Video from local broadcaster TVB showed people on stretchers and in ambulances.