Hong Kong officials have held a moment of silence at the start of a three-day mourning period to remember those killed after the city's deadliest fire in nearly 80 years. At least 128 people are now known to have died in the fire which engulfed several tower blocks on Wednesday, with hundreds remaining unaccounted for. Eight individuals are under arrest on suspicion of corruption concerning the renovation works at the impacted buildings, and three others face manslaughter charges.
The Saturday morning ceremony was held outside government headquarters, with city leader John Lee leading the moment of silence. Flags of China and Hong Kong were lowered to half-mast. Meanwhile, memorial points have been established across the city for the public to pay their respects.
The fire rapidly spread through seven of the eight blocks at Wang Fuk Court, with over 2,000 firefighters battling the blaze for nearly two days. The cause of the fire remains unknown, but authorities have noted that materials like polystyrene and protective netting likely exacerbated its spread. Bamboo scaffolding, commonly used in the area, also covered the buildings.
As anger envelops the community in the aftermath, residents allege negligence by the renovation company and report malfunctioning fire alarms. The Independent Commission Against Corruption has confirmed arrests of those connected to the engineering firm and subcontractors involved in the renovation. This tragedy highlights safety concerns, as Hong Kong's Labour and Welfare Secretary noted that 16 inspections of the renovation works had occurred since July of the previous year.
Originally built in 1983, Wang Fuk Court provided housing to approximately 4,600 residents. An investigation by police is underway, as they collect evidence from the scene to ascertain the exact cause and responsibility for this catastrophic event.
The Saturday morning ceremony was held outside government headquarters, with city leader John Lee leading the moment of silence. Flags of China and Hong Kong were lowered to half-mast. Meanwhile, memorial points have been established across the city for the public to pay their respects.
The fire rapidly spread through seven of the eight blocks at Wang Fuk Court, with over 2,000 firefighters battling the blaze for nearly two days. The cause of the fire remains unknown, but authorities have noted that materials like polystyrene and protective netting likely exacerbated its spread. Bamboo scaffolding, commonly used in the area, also covered the buildings.
As anger envelops the community in the aftermath, residents allege negligence by the renovation company and report malfunctioning fire alarms. The Independent Commission Against Corruption has confirmed arrests of those connected to the engineering firm and subcontractors involved in the renovation. This tragedy highlights safety concerns, as Hong Kong's Labour and Welfare Secretary noted that 16 inspections of the renovation works had occurred since July of the previous year.
Originally built in 1983, Wang Fuk Court provided housing to approximately 4,600 residents. An investigation by police is underway, as they collect evidence from the scene to ascertain the exact cause and responsibility for this catastrophic event.
