Shenzhen, China, 26 November 2025 (dpa/MIA) - At least 36 people have died in a major fire in several residential blocks in Hong Kong, with a further 279 people still missing, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said in the early hours of Thursday morning.

This significantly increases the number of victims following the devastating fire at the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in the Tai Po district of the city, which is a special administrative region of China.

The authorities had already classified the fire as a level 5 emergency, the highest level, in the afternoon.

At least 29 injured people were treated in hospital. The cause of the fire remains unclear. The authorities have launched an investigation and intend to scrutinize the safety standards of the bamboo scaffolding and the green nets attached to the complex.

Lee: Fire slowly being brought under control

Among the dead was a firefighter, according to reports. As confirmed by the government of the Chinese special administrative region, the 37-year-old was found unconscious at the scene and was initially taken to hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

According to Lee, the emergency services gradually brought the flames under control, the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported.

All available emergency services were to be mobilized to fight the flames, he added.

From Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping sent condolences, Chinese state television reported. He assured the special administrative region of support.

Photo: X