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9 dead in Hong Kong block, market fire

01 December 2011 03:31 (UTC +04:00)

Baku-APA. An apparently deliberate fire has swept a residential block and popular tourist market in Hong Kong, killing nine people and leaving 30 others injured, APA reports quoting Press TV.

"Nine people died and 30 people have been sent to hospital for treatment so far," a Hong Kong emergency services spokeswoman was quoted by AFP as saying on Wednesday.

She added that five of those injured were in critical condition.

An official spokesman also said the fire was believed to be an act of an arsonist, but noted that investigations were still underway. Officials further noted that the blaze had broken out at a street hawker’s booth early in the morning and quickly spread through the residential areas.

According to witnesses, the narrow market street was engulfed in huge flames and thick black smoke as the fire swept through the stalls and residential flats above.