Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed deep sorrow over the deadly residential blaze that broke out this week in the Tai Po area of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). 😢 At least 14 people have lost their lives, including a 37-year-old firefighter who died in the line of duty.
President Xi, who also serves as general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, sought immediate updates on the rescue efforts and casualty figures. He asked the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR to convey his condolences to Chief Executive John Lee and to the families of the victims, as well as his sympathies to all affected residents.
He called on the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council and the Liaison Office to fully support the HKSAR government's all-out efforts: extinguish the fire, search for those trapped, treat the injured and provide assistance and comfort to the displaced. 🔥🚒
So far, the Fire Services Department was notified around 2:51 p.m., and by 6:22 p.m. the alert was raised to a No. 5 alarm fire due to the fierce blaze. Rescue teams, community volunteers and local authorities are working around the clock to minimize casualties and losses.
This massive operation feels like a real-life K-drama rescue scene—no off-script moves here! 💥 Our hearts go out to everyone affected. We'll keep you posted as the story develops. Stay safe, fam! 🙏
Reference(s):
Xi extends condolences, urges all-out Tai Po fire rescue efforts
cgtn.com
