At least 146 people are now known to have died in the devastating fire that tore through high-rise buildings in Hong Kong on Wednesday. Police announced the new death toll on Sunday, cautioning that they 'cannot rule out the possibility of further fatalities.' There are still 150 people missing, and the blaze left 79 injured.
Seven of eight tower blocks at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in the northerly Tai Po district rapidly went up in flames. Accusations that the fire was spread by flammable construction materials have sparked widespread anger.
Three days of national mourning started on Saturday, and thousands have gathered at the scene to mourn the victims. There have been queues stretching as long as 2km (1.2 miles) as people wait to lay flowers and handwritten notes.
Indonesian worker Romlah Rosidah stated she was 'very surprised' at how many people had turned up to pray for the victims, which she mentioned was only publicized on social media. Similarly, a Filipino worker expressed solidarity with the Hong Kong community.
The fire, Hong Kong's deadliest in over 70 years, has prompted officials to observe three minutes of silence. Flags of China and Hong Kong are flying at half-staff.
Authorities have arrested eight people in connection with the fire, focusing on possible corruption linked to renovations in the towers. The probe aims to unravel the circumstances surrounding the blaze which has raised questions about safety regulations in the construction sector.
Wang Fuk Court has provided housing for around 4,600 residents since its establishment in 1983, with many residents being elderly. The fire has reignited discussions about safety standards and the use of construction materials that can exacerbate fire hazards.
As recovery efforts continue, the community's response reaffirms their resilience and unity in the aftermath of this heart-wrenching tragedy.
