A fire at a 16-story residential building in Hong Kong kills at least five people and injures dozens – JS

HONG KONG (AP) — At least five people were killed and another 36 injured in a fire at a large, mainly residential building in Hong Kong on Wednesday morning.

About 250 residents were rescued from the New Lucky House in Hong Kong’s Jordan district and the fire was extinguished.

Fire officials said the fire started on the first and second floors of the 16-story building, which housed a gym and licensed guest rooms. More investigation was needed into the cause of the fire, officials said.

The five who died apparently tried to flee the building.

The New Lucky House has 200 units and was built in 1964.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee extended his condolences to the families of the victims and said relevant departments had been instructed to provide assistance to all people affected by the fire.