A devastating fire in Hong Kong has claimed at least 146 lives, marking it as one of the deadliest fires in the region in over 70 years. Authorities announced that seven of the eight tower blocks in the Wang Fuk Court complex were engulfed in flames on Wednesday, leading to chaos and tragedy. As of now, 79 individuals have been reported injured, and approximately 150 remain missing.
Thousands gathered at the Wang Fuk Court complex this past weekend, with lines stretching almost two kilometers as residents came to mourn and pay their respects to the victims. Many are angered by allegations that flammable materials on the exterior of the buildings contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.
The fire was only fully extinguished by Friday morning after an all-out effort involving more than 2,000 firefighters. Authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident, which includes examining the recent renovations in the buildings and the effectiveness of fire alarms, which reportedly failed to activate when the fire broke out.
Officials disclosed that eight people have been arrested on suspicion of corruption related to the renovation work, while three others face manslaughter charges. Investigators are also looking into the working condition of the buildings, as there were reports of residents not hearing alarms at the time of the fire.
Local officials have declared a three-day mourning period in the wake of this disaster, encouraging the community to come together in remembrance of those lost. The buildings, constructed in 1983 and home to a substantial elderly population, have left a profound mark on the community as they reflect upon the tragedy and its implications for safety and building regulations in Hong Kong.
Thousands gathered at the Wang Fuk Court complex this past weekend, with lines stretching almost two kilometers as residents came to mourn and pay their respects to the victims. Many are angered by allegations that flammable materials on the exterior of the buildings contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.
The fire was only fully extinguished by Friday morning after an all-out effort involving more than 2,000 firefighters. Authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident, which includes examining the recent renovations in the buildings and the effectiveness of fire alarms, which reportedly failed to activate when the fire broke out.
Officials disclosed that eight people have been arrested on suspicion of corruption related to the renovation work, while three others face manslaughter charges. Investigators are also looking into the working condition of the buildings, as there were reports of residents not hearing alarms at the time of the fire.
Local officials have declared a three-day mourning period in the wake of this disaster, encouraging the community to come together in remembrance of those lost. The buildings, constructed in 1983 and home to a substantial elderly population, have left a profound mark on the community as they reflect upon the tragedy and its implications for safety and building regulations in Hong Kong.
