At least 7 killed in fire at Hong Kong apartment building

Authorities in Hong Kong said at least seven people were killed and 11 injured in a fire at an apartment building that may have started at a Hindu religious garing.

blaze broke out Sunday night in Yau Ma Tei, a usually bustling area in Kowloon packed with old apartment blocks, shops and businesses.

fire started in what appeared to be a restaurant that was located in an apartment in a residential building, fire officials said at a news conference early Monday. Officials said cause of fire was still unkwn.

apartment, on first floor of a low-rise building, h some of its windows blown out during fire and exterior walls were charred with soot. building was cordoned off Monday while policemen stood guard.

building lacked a sprinkler system and people were trapped in back of kitchen, according to fire services department officer Cheung Kwong-yuen.

Local media reports said that people in restaurant were celebrating Diwali, a Hindu festival, as well as a birthday when blaze occurred. Lit candles h set soundproofing materials on fire, according to media reports.

"I heard that it's a family celebration. Usually, we gar toger in this time, even today is last day," said Pun T. Prakash, president of Hong Kong Nepalese Business Association Limited.

Hong Kong government reported those who died as four men and three women d 8 to 38. fire is reportedly deliest since a 2011 blaze that killed nine people

incident highlights fire safety issues in older buildings in Hong Kong, some of which are t equately outfitted with appropriate fire safety manment systems. Dely fires used to be a regular occurrence in Hong Kong, one of world's most densely populated cities, but have dwindled in recent years as government implemented stricter fire safety measures.