The death toll from the Tai Po fire has dramatically risen from 4 to 13, according to Hong Kong authorities.
Details have also emerged from the press conference that 15 people have been injured as a result of the fire at the apartment block complex, where 767 firefighters have been deployed.
At least 13 people have been killed in a major fire engulfing apartment blocks in Hong Kong.
Of the 13 people who have died, nine were declared dead at the scene, Chou Wing-yin of the Fire Services Department has told a press briefing.
Six others were sent to hospital in serious condition.
Dozens of fire trucks are deployed to the scene - parking just outside the burning blocks.
John Lee Ka-chiu, Hong Kong's chief executive, has expressed his condolences over the deaths of four people as a result of the Tai Po district fire.
Lee says in a Facebook post that he has held an emergency meeting to arrange full assistance to affected residents, adding he has told the fire department and security bureau to do their "utmost in firefighting, rescue, and medical treatment".
He says the social welfare department has set up assistance stations at the scene, and the hospital authority has activated its emergency response.
Several roads have been closed and more than 30 bus routes have been diverted away from the fire, Hong Kong's Transport department says.
It adds that it is "closely monitoring the real-time traffic situation" as the fire continues.
Flames are still tearing through the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Hong Kong's Tai Po district. We're continuing to monitor the latest developments, but there are still many unanswered questions.
The fire began at Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong's northern Tai Po district on Wednesday afternoon.
The building is home to 4,600 people and has nearly 2,000 flats. It was undergoing renovation when the blaze broke out.
The fire is believed to have spread through bamboo scaffolding on the outside of the buildings.
The fire has been updated to a level 5 - which is the most serious category.
It's been 17 years since a grade 5 fire last hit Hong Kong. In 2008, Cornwall Court - in the commercial district of Mong Kok - caught on fire.
Four people died during that incident. That commercial building was built in 1962.
Three are in critical condition, one is in serious condition and another is stable, the Hong Kong government has said.
One of the confirmed deaths is a firefighter, the fire department tells the BBC.
The firefighter who died responding to the Wang Fuk Court fire has been remembered as "dedicated and gallant".
In a statement released by the Hong Kong government, director of fire services Andy Yeung says he is profoundly saddened by the death of Ho Wai-ho on Wednesday.
Ho, 37, was found collapsed at the scene of the fire before being taken to Prince of Wales Hospital, where he died at 16:41 local time (08:41 GMT) after sustaining injuries in the blaze, the government says.
"Having been a member of the Fire Services Department for about nine years, Mr Ho's performance was valiant. I am profoundly grieved at the loss of this dedicated and gallant fireman," Yeung says.
"All of our colleagues are deeply saddened by the loss of such a devoted comrade. On behalf of all our colleagues, I have offered the deepest condolences to his family."
The government of Hong Kong says it has opened temporary shelters in response to the fire at the Wang Fuk Court complex.
These shelters are at the Kwong Fuk Community Hall and the Tung Cheong Street Leisure Building, the update says.
It adds that a help desk has been set up at the Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital for assistance and public enquiries, alongside a hotline on 2658 4040.
The Tai Po District Office is closely monitoring the situation and will open more shelters if needed, the government adds.
