In a grim update from Hong Kong, the death toll from a catastrophic fire has risen to at least 146. The blaze ignited on Wednesday, engulfing several towers in the Wang Fuk Court complex, and has left 79 injured and 150 individuals reported missing.
A news conference held by police officials revealed that they cannot rule out the possibility of further fatalities. As the community grapples with the aftermath, thousands have gathered at the site of the fire to pay their respects, with queues stretching nearly 2 kilometers.
Accusations regarding the use of flammable materials in the construction of the tower blocks have fueled public anger. Officials have stated that the fire grew rapidly due to porous building materials and bamboo scaffolding, echoes of an urgent debate on construction safety standards in Hong Kong.
Amidst ongoing efforts to recover and identify victims, eight individuals have been arrested under suspicion of corruption related to renovation practices in the housing complexes. The exact cause of the fire is still being investigated, though a report indicates that fire alarms in the buildings were not functioning effectively, further compounding the tragedy.
In light of this devastating event, Hong Kong's authorities have declared a three-day mourning period, with flags flown at half-mast. Residents have been encouraged to visit the site, laying flowers and leaving heartfelt messages to commemorate the fallen.
This fire is the deadliest in Hong Kong in over 70 years, surpassing previous tragic incidents and serving as a stark reminder of the importance of building safety measures. With an aging population, many victims were long-term residents of the affected towers, highlighting the personal impact on families and the community as a whole.
