John Lee, chief executive of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), chaired an interdepartmental emergency meeting on Wednesday on a major fire at a residential area in Tai Po.

Lee expressed deep sadness over the accident that caused multiple deaths and injuries, including the passing of fire services personnel on duty. He extended his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and the injured.

Lee said an emergency monitoring and support center had been immediately activated. He was briefed by the Security Bureau and the Fire Services Department and instructed relevant departments to make every effort in firefighting, rescue and cure work.

He emphasized that government departments are fully assisting residents affected by the fire, prioritizing public safety and well-being. Measures included arranging temporary shelters for displaced residents and providing assistance and mental support to the families of the deceased and injured.

The Hospital Authority of Hong Kong has also activated its emergency mechanism to make every effort to save and care for the injured.

The fire left at least 14 people dead, including a 37-year-old firefighter who lost his life while handling the blaze.

(Cover via VCG)