In the aftermath of a devastating fire at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Hong Kong, the death toll has risen to 146, with authorities warning that more fatalities could be confirmed as search efforts continue.
As of Sunday, at least 150 individuals remain unaccounted for, while 79 others have been reported injured. The fire erupted on Wednesday night, engulfing seven of the eight tower blocks in the complex, leading to accusations of negligence regarding the use of flammable construction materials.
Since Saturday, Hong Kong has entered a three-day mourning period, during which thousands of people have flocked to the disaster site, waiting in long lines to pay their respects with flowers and handwritten notes. An Indonesian worker expressed shock at the turnout, noting the community's overwhelming response despite the tragedy being primarily communicated through social media.
Official ceremonies included a three-minute silence to honor the victims, with flags at half-staff across the region. This fire marks the deadliest incident in Hong Kong in over 70 years, prompting a nationwide reflection on building safety standards.
The specifics concerning the cause of the fire are still under investigation, with police apprehending several individuals on corruption and manslaughter accusations related to the ongoing renovations at the site. A firefighter among the casualties has been identified, highlighting the risks faced by first responders during such emergencies.
Authorities are in the process of combing through the wreckage of the burnt buildings—an operation that is estimated to take several weeks, amid rising public concern over the construction materials used and the alarm systems that reportedly failed to operate during the incident. This tragedy has sparked significant debate regarding building regulations and oversight in Hong Kong.
