At least 146 people are known to have died in a devastating fire that tore through multiple high-rise buildings in Hong Kong. Police announced the death toll in a news conference, cautioning that they 'cannot rule out the possibility of further fatalities'. A further 79 are injured and 150 remain missing.
Seven of eight tower blocks in a housing complex in the northerly Tai Po district rapidly went up in flames on Wednesday. Accusations that the fire was exacerbated by flammable materials on the outside of the buildings have sparked anger and concern.
Thousands of people are gathering at the Wang Fuk Court complex to mourn the victims, with queues stretching to almost 2km. The death toll has been rising as officials work to recover and identify bodies. The cause of the blaze is still being determined, with eight people arrested on suspicion of corruption related to renovations, and three others detained on manslaughter charges.
The fire, which reached a peak temperature of 500C (932F), required over 2,000 firefighters to bring it under control. Observations found that fire alarms in all eight blocks were not functioning effectively.
The tragedy has led to a three-day mourning period declared by local authorities, which began on Saturday, with the flags of China and Hong Kong flown at half-mast. The region's deadliest fire in over 70 years, it has raised significant concerns regarding building safety regulations and fire safety measures.
Residents have expressed anger over the lack of fire alarms, and a police spokesperson indicated a belief that those in charge of maintenance may have been negligent in their duties. The incident has prompted discussions about future safety regulations in construction and renovation in Hong Kong. The community continues to grieve as tributes pour in for the victims.
Seven of eight tower blocks in a housing complex in the northerly Tai Po district rapidly went up in flames on Wednesday. Accusations that the fire was exacerbated by flammable materials on the outside of the buildings have sparked anger and concern.
Thousands of people are gathering at the Wang Fuk Court complex to mourn the victims, with queues stretching to almost 2km. The death toll has been rising as officials work to recover and identify bodies. The cause of the blaze is still being determined, with eight people arrested on suspicion of corruption related to renovations, and three others detained on manslaughter charges.
The fire, which reached a peak temperature of 500C (932F), required over 2,000 firefighters to bring it under control. Observations found that fire alarms in all eight blocks were not functioning effectively.
The tragedy has led to a three-day mourning period declared by local authorities, which began on Saturday, with the flags of China and Hong Kong flown at half-mast. The region's deadliest fire in over 70 years, it has raised significant concerns regarding building safety regulations and fire safety measures.
Residents have expressed anger over the lack of fire alarms, and a police spokesperson indicated a belief that those in charge of maintenance may have been negligent in their duties. The incident has prompted discussions about future safety regulations in construction and renovation in Hong Kong. The community continues to grieve as tributes pour in for the victims.
