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Hong Kong begins three-day mourning for fire victims
Hong Kong officials observed three minutes of silence Saturday to mark the start of a three-day mourning period for at least 128 people killed in the city's deadliest fire in nearly eight decades. The blaze, which erupted Wednesday in the Tai Po district, also injured 83 and left 150 unaccounted for, authorities confirmed.
Investigation targets flammable materials and safety failures
The fire engulfed seven of eight residential towers in the Wang Fuk Court estate, spreading rapidly due to polystyrene cladding, plastic netting, and bamboo scaffolding-a common but controversial construction material in Hong Kong. Over 2,000 firefighters battled the blaze for nearly two days before containing it.
Residents reported malfunctioning fire alarms, while the fire service acknowledged systemic failures in the estate's safety systems. The towers, built in 1983, housed 4,600 people across 1,984 apartments, according to a 2021 census.
Arrests over corruption and manslaughter
Eight individuals, including directors of an engineering firm and scaffolding subcontractors, were arrested Friday on suspicion of corruption linked to renovation works. Three others face manslaughter charges. Hong Kong's Labour and Welfare Secretary, Chris Sun, revealed his department had conducted 16 inspections at the site since July 2024.
Public anger and calls for accountability
The disaster has ignited outrage over building safety standards and oversight failures. Memorial sites were established citywide, with condolence books available for public tributes. Flags at government headquarters flew at half-mast during the ceremony.
Police are gathering evidence as part of a broader investigation expected to unfold over the coming weeks. The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is leading the probe into alleged graft.
What's next
Officials have pledged a full review of construction practices, including the use of bamboo scaffolding, as debates intensify over regulatory reforms to prevent future tragedies.
