At least 36 people are dead and nearly 300 others are missing as a massive fire continued to burn Wednesday at a high-rise apartment complex in Hong Kongs Tai Po district, in the New Territories.

Firefighters said they are struggling to reach residents trapped on upper floors because the heat is too intense, though they vowed to keep trying. Officials confirmed they are in contact with some trapped residents, advising them to seal doors and windows to keep smoke out.

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The blaze has engulfed seven of the complexs nine towers. The apartments were undergoing renovations at the time of the fire, with bamboo scaffolding and green mesh covering the buildings material that may have accelerated the flames.

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