Courtesy: CBS

At least 36 people were killed by a massive fire Wednesday that engulfed a high-rise housing complex in Hong Kong, city leader John Lee said. Another 279 people were reported missing.

Lee also said 29 people remained hospitalized. He added that the fire was “coming under control” shortly past midnight.

Fire Services Department Director Andy Yeung said a firefighter is among the dead. In a press release, Yeung said the 37-year-old had been a firefighter for nine years. “All of our colleagues are deeply saddened by the loss of such a devoted comrade,” he added.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Wednesday expressed condolences to the firefighter who died and extended sympathies to the families of the victims, according to state broadcaster CCTV. He also urged efforts to minimize

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