Hong Kong authorities declared three days of mourning following a catastrophic fire at the Wang Fuk Court residential complex that claimed at least 128 lives, including a firefighter, with around 200 people still missing. The blaze, Hong Kong's deadliest in decades, erupted Wednesday afternoon in the Tai Po district, rapidly spreading across seven of eight towers housing 4,600 residents due to flammable styrofoam in renovation scaffolding and netting.
China initiated a criminal probe as eight more arrests brought the total to 11, while firefighters recovered bodies amid smoldering ruins; only 39 victims identified so far, with 79 injured including 12 rescuers. Rescue operations ended Friday, shifting to victim identification and support; Chief Executive John Lee suspended nonessential activities, pledged HK$300 million ($38 million) aid fund, and ordered inspections of all renovation sites.
Over 500 displaced residents shelter temporarily, receiving HK$10,000 ($1,284) subsidies; President Xi Jinping offered condolences, urging maximum efforts to minimize losses.