The representative offices of the United States and Australia in Taiwan extended Thursday their condolences to the families of those who died and were injured in a tragic mixed-use building fire in Kaohsiung that morning.

"We are deeply saddened by this morning's fire in Kaohsiung's Yancheng district, with its tragic loss of life and injury," the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) wrote on its Facebook page.

"On behalf of the United States of America, the American Institute in Taiwan extends its deepest condolences to those impacted and their families at this difficult time," it added.

The Australian Office Taipei also took to social media to express their condolences on Thursday.

Jenny Bloomfield, Australia's top envoy in Taiwan, said she was shocked and saddened at news of the fire in the southern Taiwanese city.

"On behalf of the Australian Office, I express heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to those affected and their families. Our thoughts are with the people of Kaohsiung at this sad time," she tweeted.

The AIT and the Australian Office Taipei represent U.S. and Australia's interests in Taiwan, respectively, in the absence of official diplomatic ties.

According to the Kaohsiung Fire Bureau, the fire that broke out in the 13-story commercial and residential building in Kaohsiung early that day has claimed 46 lives and left 41 people injured.

Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel