Overview
- The blaze erupted on November 26 in a cluster of high-rise residences in Hong Kong’s northern New Territories.
- In a preliminary update, Chief Executive John Lee said 36 people are confirmed dead and 279 cannot be contacted.
- Firefighters are conducting suppression and search-and-rescue operations with no immediate prospect of full containment.
- Flames extended to adjacent apartment blocks, creating additional challenges for access and control.
- Evacuated residents sheltered at a nearby secondary school, and eyewitnesses reported heavy smoke, explosions, and unreachable family members.