Hang in there. These were the last words Mr. Chung said to his wife after a massive fire broke out in their high-rise public housing complex in Hong Kong's Tai Po district. The tragedy occurred around 15:00 local time when Chung received a frantic phone call from her, indicating that she and their cat were trapped in their apartment. He raced home only to find the 31-storey building engulfed in flames, with thick, black smoke belching from it. Firefighters battled the blazes for nearly 24 hours, with the disaster claiming at least 128 lives and leaving almost 300 individuals unaccounted for. "The dire condition of the building highlights concerns as residents had no alarm to warn them of the impending doom. Many, including Chung, spent the night outside desperately seeking updates from firefighters. Throughout the ordeal, communications with his wife continued until the smoke became unbearable, leading her to faint. She probably did faint, he tearfully recounted. As time passed without contact, hope dwindled. Chung disclosed that his wife likely perished alongside their pet. After living in the Wang Cheong House for a decade, the couple was part of the community that faced this harrowing event.", "The cause of the fire remains under investigation, though initial findings suggest that renovations with flammable materials may have exacerbated the situation. The building complex comprised seven of the eight blocks at Wang Fuk Court, a subsidized housing estate constructed in 1983, now marked by this inferno.", "Efforts continue not only to recover the missing but also to aid the displaced families. The Hong Kong government has pledged financial assistance to those affected by the fire, while community members grapple with the uncertainty of their futures. The tragedy underscores a broader call for investigations into fire safety protocols and the materials used in building renovations in the area. The emotional toll lingers, as families await news of their loved ones amidst a backdrop of profound hardship."