Hong Kong has entered a three-day mourning period following a devastating apartment fire that claimed the lives of 128 individuals, marking one of the city's deadliest disasters in decades. The fire, which engulfed the Wang Fuk Court residential complex, has left around 200 people missing and has prompted widespread grief and calls for accountability.

Mourning and Remembrance
The official mourning began on Saturday with a moment of silence observed by city leader John Lee, senior ministers, and civil servants outside the government headquarters. Flags were flown at half-mast as citizens laid flowers and signed condolence books at designated points across the city. The tragedy struck on Wednesday afternoon when flames rapidly spread through seven of the eight high-rises in the densely populated Tai Po district.

Investigations Underway
Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the fire, but preliminary investigations suggest it may have started on protective netting on the lower floors. Highly flammable foam boards and bamboo scaffolding are believed to have exacerbated the blaze. The city's fire services chief, Andy Yeung, revealed that alarm systems in all eight apartment blocks were malfunctioning, raising serious safety concerns. Residents reported that they did not hear any alarms and had to alert their neighbors manually.

Arrests and Accountability
In the aftermath of the fire, the city's anti-corruption watchdog arrested eight individuals linked to the incident, including consultants and subcontractors involved in the construction project. Additionally, three men were arrested for allegedly leaving foam packaging at the fire site. The investigations are ongoing, with authorities indicating that more remains may be discovered as they conduct a thorough examination of the building.

Community Impact and Search Efforts
Families of the missing continue to search hospitals and victim identification stations for their loved ones. Many remain unclear about the status of their relatives, with some expressing despair at the lack of information. One woman, searching for her sister-in-law and her twin, stated, "We still cannot find them. So we are going to different hospitals to ask if they have good news." Dozens of individuals remain hospitalized, with several in critical condition.

Wrap-up
As Hong Kong grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, the community unites in mourning while demanding answers and accountability from those responsible for the safety of residential buildings. The impact of this fire will likely resonate throughout the city for years to come, as residents seek justice for the victims and changes to prevent such disasters in the future.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team