A devastating fire that swept through several high-rise buildings in Hong Kong has resulted in the tragic loss of at least 146 lives, with authorities warning that the death toll may continue to rise as recovery efforts proceed.
According to police reports, an additional 79 people have been injured and around 150 remain missing following the disaster. The fire broke out on Wednesday night in the Wang Fuk Court complex located in the Tai Po district, where seven of the eight tower blocks quickly succumbed to flames.
Witnesses reported that the fire spread rapidly, causing outrage and calls for accountability due to the presence of flammable materials used in the building's facade. Thousands gathered at the site on Sunday, forming a queue nearly two kilometers long to pay their respects to the victims, with many laying flowers and offering prayers.
Emergency responders, including over 2,000 firefighters, battled with the blaze, which reached terrifying temperatures of 500C (932F) and was only fully extinguished by Friday morning.
Ongoing investigations have led to the arrest of several individuals, with some charged with manslaughter and others linked to possible corruption regarding renovation works on the affected towers. Initial findings suggest that insufficient fire alarms in the buildings may have contributed to the high casualty rate, according to safety inspections.
This incident is being classified as the deadliest fire in Hong Kong in over 70 years, surpassing previous tragedies that have shaped the region's building safety protocols. Residents have expressed sorrow and shock at the lack of adequate emergency measures, as many community members are left grappling with the loss.
As the city enters a three-day mourning period, officials have raised flags at half-mast and observed moments of silence in memory of the victims. The Wang Fuk Court, built in 1983, was home to nearly 4,600 residents, many of whom are elderly and had lived there for decades.
