Hong Kong officials have commenced a three-day mourning period, honoring the victims of a devastating fire that claimed at least 128 lives in the city’s deadliest incident in nearly 80 years. During a solemn ceremony held outside the government headquarters, city leader John Lee and fellow officials observed three minutes of silence and flags were flown at half-mast.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities have arrested multiple individuals, including eight on suspicion of corruption related to renovation works at the fire site, and three on manslaughter charges. The fire quickly spread across seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court complex, with the firefighter efforts taking nearly two days to control the inferno.
The fire's cause remains unidentified, but concerns over flammable materials used in the renovations have prompted a debate on current construction practices. Residents have reported ineffective fire alarms and negligence from the renovation contractors, leading to calls for accountability amid ongoing public anger.
Memorial points have been established throughout the city where residents can pay respects and sign condolence books, as the community comes together in grief and reflection.
