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 - which spread across seven of Wang Fuk Court's eight apartment blocks - under control involved more than 2,311 firefighters. The fire was fully extinguished by 10:18 local time on Friday.
89 bodies have yet to be identified, and 16 bodies remain inside the buildings. Police will begin gathering evidence in the affected areas as the investigation continues.
The fire erupted at 14:51 local time on Wednesday and quickly escalated in intensity due to flammable materials used during renovations.
In addition to emergency responders, two Indonesian nationals who had been working on the buildings were also killed. Many workers from Indonesia and the Philippines remain unaccounted for.
Residents have expressed anger over the lack of functioning fire alarms, with previous complaints about renovation fees and fire-safety material compliance resurfacing amid the tragedy.
As the community mourns, questions loom over safety practices and accountability in the construction and renovation of residential buildings.
