Hong Kong has officially completed the rescue operation at the site of the century’s deadliest fire in the Tai Po district on Friday. The fire killed 128 people and the number is expected to rise as 200 remain unreported.
Officers from the Victim Identification Unit have continued their search for those still missing. Authorities have revealed that only 39 out of 128 dead have been identified.
On Saturday, November 29, the administration officially mourned the tragic loss of life and stood in silence for three minutes while dressed in black. Flags were lowered to half-mast at all government offices.
The fire started on Wednesday and engulfed seven out of eight 32-storey blocks in the complex, which is home to almost 4,600 people.
Officials have arrested 11 people suspected of negligence in connection with the deadly fire, including an engineering consultant, a scaffolding subcontractor and a middleman.
Several world leaders have also offered their condolences. Britain’s King Charles expressed grief, saying: “Our deepest thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones and with those who are now living with shock and uncertainty.”
Hong Kong leader John Lee announced an emergency relief fund of HK$300 million to help residents. Some of the biggest Chinese companies have also pledged donations.
