Hong Kong: Two passenger boats collided on Monday night near Lamma Island off the southwestern coast of Hong Kong Island, killing 36 people, reports said.

One of the boats, carrying 124 people was a chartered boat packed with revellers who were on a holiday weekend cruise to watch the fireworks display at Victoria Harbour.

The other one, a ferry which did not capsize, was carrying dozens and was operated by the Hong Kong and Kowloon Ferry company.

Rescue officials rushed to the help of the passengers and the government said that 101 people were rescued.

Hong Kong government statement as saying: “Over 100 people were sent to five hospitals during the incident, nine of them have sustained serious injuries or are in critical condition.”

Television channels showed the boat half submerged with the bow pointing straight up.

Lamma is the third-biggest island in Hong Kong and near one of the city’s busiest shipping lanes.

An inquiry has been ordered into the incident by Hong Kong’s chief executive.