Hong Kong has concluded its massive rescue operation in Tai Po following the city’s deadliest fire of the century, which erupted on Wednesday and tore through a densely populated housing complex. Officials confirmed on Friday that 128 people have died, while around 200 others remain unaccounted for, raising fears that the final toll could climb significantly higher.
Specialists from the victim identification unit continued combing through the wreckage, though authorities reported that only 39 of the deceased have been formally identified so far.
On Saturday, November 29, Hong Kong entered an official period of mourning. Government leaders and residents observed three minutes of silence, dressed in black to honor the victims. Flags across all central government buildings were lowered to half-mast.City in Mourning
The fire devastated seven of eight 32-storey residential blocks in a complex housing nearly 4,600 people, marking one of the most catastrophic urban fires in modern Hong Kong history.
Authorities have arrested 11 individuals linked to the tragedy. Those detained include an engineering consultant, a scaffolding subcontractor, and an intermediary, all suspected of negligence contributing to the deadly blaze. Investigators continue examining structural, operational, and safety failures that may have amplified the disaster’s scale.Arrests and Investigation
Sympathy poured in from around the world. Britain’s King Charles issued a heartfelt statement expressing deep sorrow for the lives lost and for those “now living with shock and uncertainty.”Global Condolences and Local Relief
Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee announced a HK$300 million relief fund to support affected residents. Major Chinese corporations have also pledged significant donations to assist survivors and aid reconstruction efforts.
