Tragedy at Wang Fuk Court: Hong Kong’s Deadliest Blaze Since 1948

A massive fire at Hong Kong's Wang Fuk Court has claimed 128 lives, with 200 people still missing. Eleven arrests have been made as investigations focus on potential corruption and unsafe renovation practices. The tragedy has ignited demands for better fire safety and regulatory reforms.

Hong Kong mourns the tragic loss of 128 lives following a catastrophic fire at Wang Fuk Court, a high-rise residential complex. The blaze, which is the city's deadliest since a 1948 warehouse fire, quickly spread through seven of the eight 32-storey blocks despite a year-old assurance to residents of low fire risks. Investigations have so far led to 11 arrests amid allegations of corruption and the use of flammable materials during renovations.

Rescue operations ended Friday, but authorities continue their search for bodies within the charred remains. Hong Kong leader John Lee and other officials paid their respects in a solemn ceremony, as over 4,600 residents grapple with the aftermath. Authorities confirmed malfunctioning fire alarms, and comparisons have been drawn to London's Grenfell Tower tragedy, raising questions over fire safety regulations.

International involvement is notable; among the deceased are six Indonesian citizens and numerous foreign domestic workers. The fire has spurred public calls for resettlement assistance and policy overhauls in construction oversight. An online petition, advocating for rigorous investigations into possible misconduct, has gathered significant support within days, echoing previous cries for governance reforms.

(With inputs from agencies.)