Flags flew at half-mast Saturday as the city entered an official three-day mourning period for victims of the deadliest blaze since 1948, a wind-driven fire that killed 128 people and left about 200 missing in Tai Po.
On Saturday morning, Chief Executive John Lee, senior ministers and dozens of civil servants observed three minutes of silence outside government headquarters. Hours earlier, residents placed flowers beside the blackened remains of Wang Fuk Court, where flames burned for more than 40 hours after erupting Wednesday afternoon.
“May your spirits in heaven always keep the joy alive,” read one note tucked into the growing sidewalk memorial.
Condolence points have been opened across the city for the public to sign condolence books, while families continue combing hospitals and police-run victim identification stations. As of Friday night, 89 bodies remained unidentified, and dozens of people were still hospitalized — 11 in critical condition.
Investigators have arrested 11 people: eight taken into custody Friday by the city’s anti-corruption agency — consultants, scaffolding subcontractors and a project middleman — and three men detained earlier on suspicion of negligently leaving foam packaging at the site.
Preliminary findings point to a spark in protective netting on a lower floor that ignited “highly flammable” foam boards and bamboo scaffolding, sending fire through seven of the complex’s eight high-rises in less than 15 minutes.
Fire-services chief Andy Yeung confirmed alarm systems in all eight blocks “were malfunctioning” and pledged action against contractors. Residents told reporters they never heard sirens and resorted to knocking on neighbours’ doors.
Temporary housing has been found for roughly 800 displaced residents; another 720 spent Thursday night in nine emergency shelters. A large community relief effort sprang up near the towers with supply stations for clothes, food, household goods and medical and psychological support. So much was donated that organisers put out a call on social media saying no more was needed.
Authorities say the full investigation into the fire’s causes could take up to four weeks.