At least 128 people have died in a devastating fire that engulfed multiple high-rise buildings in Hong Kong.
A further 79 people have been injured in the city's deadliest blaze in more than 70 years, which occurred in the northerly suburb of Tai Po, while dozens remain missing.
The tower blocks had been undergoing renovations when the fire began. The cause of the blaze remains unclear but officials said that Styrofoam placed on the outside of the windows facilitated its rapid spread.
Three people overseeing the renovations are under arrest for manslaughter, and authorities have launched a corruption inquiry.
Bringing the fire under control involved more than 2,311 firefighters. Firefighting efforts ceased when the fire was fully extinguished by 10:18 local time (02:18 GMT) on Friday.
Authorities reported that 89 bodies have yet to be identified, and 16 bodies remain inside the buildings. Police will begin entering the Wang Fuk Court buildings to start gathering evidence.
The fire started around 14:51 local time (06:51 GMT) on Wednesday, with a peak temperature of 500C (932F). The blaze reignited in some areas after being doused, and spread quickly due to flammable materials.
Among the deceased is 37-year-old firefighter Ho Wai-ho, who collapsed at the scene. Twelve other firefighters have also been injured.
As the investigation continues, residents are expressing anger over potential negligence and the failure of fire alarms in the building during the incident. Previous resident complaints over renovation safety and high fees have also resurfaced.
Wang Fuk Court, built in 1983, housed around 4,600 residents, with a significant number being elderly. This incident has prompted a reevaluation of safety standards in the region and has left the community in shock.
