Hong Kong is grappling with a devastating apartment block fire that has claimed the lives of 128 people, with officials warning that the death toll could rise further. The catastrophic blaze occurred at Wang Fuk Court, a densely populated residential complex, leaving scores injured and many residents unaccounted for.

During a press conference on Friday afternoon, Hong Kong Secretary for Security Chris Tang said that about 200 individuals remain unaccounted for, signaling that the toll could unfortunately continue to rise.

“We are still searching for many residents whose status is unknown. The situation is ongoing and tragic,” Tang told reporters, emphasizing the scale of the disaster.

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Injuries and Missing Persons

Authorities confirmed that at least 79 people sustained injuries in the fire. So far, they have received 467 missing persons inquiries, of which 39 have been confirmed dead. Rescue teams are continuing their search efforts in the wake of the fire, working tirelessly to locate those still unaccounted for.

The Hong Kong government has urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with emergency responders as investigations continue into the cause of the fire.

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Community Reaction and Memorials

Residents and neighbors have begun leaving flowers and tributes near Wang Fuk Court, paying respects to the victims of this unprecedented tragedy. Social media and local news outlets have documented the outpouring of grief, reflecting the deep impact on the community.

The incident has sparked concerns about fire safety regulations in Hong Kong’s high-density residential buildings. Officials are expected to review safety standards to prevent future tragedies of this magnitude.

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Ongoing Coverage

This story is developing, with updates expected as authorities continue their investigations and rescue operations. Families of missing residents are being advised to contact local authorities for assistance and information.