Edmond Ng

HONG KONG (Reuters] – A fire broke out at Hong Kong’s World Trade Centre on Wednesday, trapping around 150 people. 13 were also injured by the flames, according to police and fire departments.

Restaurants, offices and shops can be found on the 39-floor World Trade Centre in Causeway Bay’s commercial and shopping district.

Media reported that the fire started in the utility room at the lower levels of the mall around noon. It then spread to the bamboo scaffolding covering the exterior.

Firefighters used two high-powered water hoses to tackle the flames. In an effort to save trapped people, they also utilized ladders and breathing apparatus.

Police said that 13 people had been taken to the hospital by police. One was partially conscious.

The fire department stated to Reuters that the fire had been extinguished by 1630 GMT (0830 GMT).

Many people rushed out from the building earlier, as smoke billowed from the roof.

Radio broadcaster RTHK reported that around 100 people fled from a restaurant on the 39th Floor to escape the flames and the smoke filling the room.

It was unclear at this time what caused the fire.