Hong Kong, Nov 27 (V7N) — At least 55 people have died in a massive fire that engulfed a high-rise building complex in Hong Kong, authorities and media reports confirmed on Wednesday. Rescue operations are ongoing as numerous residents remain missing, according to CNN.

Sources from the fire service reported that 51 people died at the scene, while four more succumbed to injuries in hospital. The blaze also left at least 123 people injured, including eight firefighters. Officials have not clarified how many residents remain unaccounted for; earlier reports indicated 279 people were missing.

The fire continued to burn in some parts of the complex nearly 24 hours after it began. Most residents were elderly, and the buildings were surrounded by temporary bamboo scaffolding and safety netting due to ongoing renovation work.

Following the incident, police arrested three construction workers associated with the renovation project. They have been charged with causing death by human negligence, with authorities attributing the horrific blaze to gross negligence on the part of the workers.

Rescue teams continue to search the site, and officials have warned that the death toll could rise further.

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