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The death toll in relation to a massive that fire ripped through multiple ber of others were reported to be trapped after a massive fire ripped through multiple Hong Kong high-rise residential buildings rose to 83 as of Thursday (November 27) amid ongoing search and rescue efforts, ABC News reports.
A reported 51 individuals were pronounced dead at the scene, while four more died in a hospital, fire department officials confirmed during a press conference. A total 76 people are still receiving treatment at a hospital, including 15 reported to be in critical condition and 28 in serious condition.
Fires continue to burn in three of the seven buildings affected -- among eight total buildings in the complex -- and all remaining blazes are reported to now be under control. Three men associated with the construction firm in charge of renovation at the Tai Po district complex were arrested and are being investigated in connection with the fire, police said during a press conference updating the situation.
Harry Cheung, 66, a resident at Block Two in one of the complexes, said he heard "a very loud noise at around 2:45 p.m.," at which point he observed the fire in a nearby block.
"I immediately went back to pack up my things," Cheung told Reuters. "I don't even know how I feel right now. I'm just thinking about where I'm going to sleep tonight because I probably won't be able to go back home."
Tai Po is a popular suburban district in the northern part of the Sai Kung Peninsula located in the Eastern New Territories and is the third lowest population density in Hong Kong.