Hong Kong begins three-day mourning for 128 killed in massive fire
Hong Kong has initiated a three-day mourning period following a devastating apartment complex fire that claimed 128 lives with 200 people still missing. The city observed three minutes of silence as rescue operations continued for the fourth day at the Wang Fuk Court complex where the blaze erupted Wednesday.
Hong Kong has commenced a three-day period of official mourning to honor the victims of the city's deadliest fire in decades, which has resulted in 128 confirmed fatalities with approximately 200 individuals still unaccounted for. Chief Executive John Lee led government officials in observing a three-minute silence at the government headquarters on Saturday, with national and regional flags flying at half-mast across all government buildings throughout the mourning period.
Rescue Operations and Casualty Figures
Search and rescue efforts continue for the fourth consecutive day at the Wang Fuk Court apartment complex, where the blaze has been brought under control but the full extent of casualties remains undetermined. Current official figures indicate 128 fatalities and 79 injuries, while the status of 200 residents remains unknown as emergency teams methodically search the eight-tower complex that housed an estimated 4,000 residents across more than 1,900 apartments.
Fire Origin and Contributing Factors
The catastrophic fire ignited around noon on Wednesday and spread rapidly through the residential complex due to bamboo scaffolding installed for exterior renovation work. Authorities have identified both the bamboo scaffolding and foam plastic materials covering windows as significant factors in the fire's rapid progression. In response to the severity of the blaze, Hong Kong issued its first Level-5 fire alarm in 17 years, representing the highest alert on the city's five-tier emergency scale.
Criminal Investigation and Displaced Residents
Police investigators have detained two directors and an engineering consultant from Prestige Construction & Engineering Company on suspicion of manslaughter related to the fire. Meanwhile, approximately 800 residents displaced by the disaster have been relocated to hostels, hotels, and transitional housing facilities as the community confronts one of Hong Kong's most severe residential fire tragedies in modern history.
Reklam yükleniyor...
Reklam yükleniyor...
Comments you share on our site are a valuable resource for other users. Please be respectful of different opinions and other users. Avoid using rude, aggressive, derogatory, or discriminatory language.