Hong Kong fire, this incredible gesture

A massive fire ravaged the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in the Tai Po district of northern Hong Kong on Wednesday, November 26, killing at least 36 people and leaving 279 missing, according to Chief Executive John Lee.

The death toll is extremely high: Mr. Lee specified late Wednesday night that 29 people remain hospitalized, including seven in critical condition.

The fire was classified as Category 5, the highest level on the alert scale, mobilizing a large number of emergency personnel.

Thick clouds of black smoke enveloped at least five of the eight residential towers in the complex, while loud cracking sounds, likely from the burning bamboo scaffolding surrounding the buildings, could be heard, and massive flames shot high into the sky.

Hospital authorities had previously reported 13 deaths and 23 injuries.

Unfortunately, a 37-year-old firefighter who had been missing was found with facial burns and pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital, confirmed Fire Chief Andy Yeung.

Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed his condolences to all the victims, including the firefighter, and called for every effort to be made to limit the number of casualties and losses, while authorities did not immediately discuss the possible causes of the fire, as firefighters encountered enormous difficulties entering the structure.