In brief
Hong Kong has entered a three-day mourning period for the victims of a devastating fire that left at least 128 people dead and many more injured. The fire, which engulfed seven tower blocks in a housing complex, has raised serious concerns about building safety and fire regulations following numerous reports of malfunctioning alarms and negligence during ongoing renovations. Among those arrested in connection with the tragedy are eight individuals under investigation for corruption.
Hong Kong officials have held a moment of silence at the start 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 seven tower blocks on Wednesday. A further 83 were injured and 150 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 cause of the fire has yet to be determined, but officials have said it spread up and between the blocks rapidly because of flammable materials placed on their exterior.
Saturday morning's 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 the fire started, it spread quickly to seven of the eight towers in Wang Fuk Court, in Hong Kong's northerly suburban Tai Po district.
It then took more than 2,000 firefighters almost two days to bring the blaze under control.
Officials confirmed that the fire's spread was exacerbated by polystyrene placed on the outside of the buildings and plastic netting used around the scaffolding.
The investigation is ongoing, with police gathering evidence from the scene, while anger and questions about accountability grow among residents and officials alike.
Residents have reported broken fire alarms and negligence from the renovation company, prompting an independent inquiry into the incident.
