Hong Kong officially concluded the rescue operation at the site of the deadliest fire of the century in Tai Po district on Friday. The fire killed 128 people and the death toll is expected to rise as 200 are still missing.
Agents from the victim identification unit have continued the search for the missing. Authorities have revealed that only 39 of the 128 dead have been identified.
On Saturday, November 29, the administration officially mourned the tragic loss of life and stood silently for three minutes dressed in black. Flags were flown at half-mast in all central government offices.
The fire began on Wednesday and destroyed seven of the eight 32-story blocks of the complex that houses almost 4,600 people.
Authorities arrested 11 people on suspicion of negligence in connection with the deadly fire, including an engineering consultant, a scaffolding subcontractor and a broker.
Several world leaders have also offered their condolences. Britain’s King Charles expressed his sorrow, saying: “Our deepest thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones and with those who now live in shock and uncertainty.”
Hong Kong leader John Lee announced a HK$300 million relief fund to help residents. Some of China’s largest companies have also pledged donations.
