Three days of mourning begin after Hong Kong's deadliest fire in decades
Posted on: Nov 29, 2025 13:15 IST | Posted by: Bbc
Hong Kong officials feature held a bit of quiet at the take up of a three-day mourning period to remember those killed after the city's deadliest fire in nearly 80 years.
At least 128 people are now known to have died in the fire which engulfed several tower blocks on Wednesday. Hundreds remain unaccounted for.
Eight people have been arrested on suspicion of corruption over the renovation works the blocks had been undergoing.
Three others were detained earlier on manslaughter charges.
The Saturday morning ceremony was held outside government headquarters, and saw city leader John Lee joined by other Hong Kong officials to observe three minutes of silence.
The flags of China and Hong Kong were flown at half mast.
The government has also set up memorial points across the city, where the public can pay their respects and sign condolence books.
Once it started, the fire quickly spread to seven of the eight blocks of flats of Wang Fuk Court, with over 2,000 firefighters working to bring it under control across almost two days.
The cause of the fire has still not been determined, though authorities have said that polystyrene and protective netting placed on the outside of the windows facilitated its spread.
The tower blocks were also covered in bamboo scaffolding, which is commonly used in Hong Kong.
Officials have confirmed that an investigation will be taking place over the next few weeks, with police already gathering evidence from the scene.
Anger has spread throughout Hong Kong in the aftermath of the fire, with residents reporting broken fire alarms and negligence from the company carrying out the renovations on the Wang Fuk Court.
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) said that those arrested in the corruption probe on Friday included directors at an engineering company and scaffolding subcontractors.
Hong Kong's Labour and Welfare Secretary, Chris Sun, told reporters that his department had made 16 checks on the works taking place at Wang Fuk Court since July last year.
Wang Fuk Court was built in 1983 and had provided 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 residents, according to a 2021 government census.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.