The tragic fire at Hong Kong's Wang Fuk Court residential complex has claimed the lives of 128 people, officials confirmed on Friday. The blaze, one of Hong Kong's worst disasters in decades, tore through seven of the eight high-rise towers in the complex. Security Secretary Chris Tang revealed chilling details at a news conference: “The fire was put out and rescue operation is over. Our aim now is to make sure the temperature decrease in the building and once everything is deemed safe, police will collect evidence and conduct further investigation.” However, he warned the death toll could climb as authorities work to identify all victims. Nearly 1,000 police and firefighters battled the inferno for almost 24 hours. They recovered 108 bodies from the burnt towers, and four more succumbed in hospitals. Around 200 residents are still missing, with some trapped on upper floors where flames raged the longest. An astonishing 79 people were injured, including 12 firefighters; one is seriously ill. The fire started Wednesday afternoon, allegedly igniting from bamboo scaffolding and plastic netting used for ongoing renovations. Disturbing discoveries of highly flammable foam panels near elevator lobbies have raised fears over poor safety standards. “The fire spread so quickly. We had no warning except for people shouting to escape,” a shaken resident shared. Alarmingly, fire alarms in the buildings were not working during the blaze, forcing residents to rely on frantic neighbors banging on doors to warn each other. Wang Fuk Court, home to roughly 4,800 mostly elderly people, had been undergoing major repairs when disaster struck. In a swift response, Hong Kong police arrested three men, including two directors and a consultant from the construction firm managing the renovation, on suspicion of manslaughter and gross negligence. This bold step reflects the growing crackdown on fire safety violations after the deadly disaster. Authorities now promise urgent inspections across all housing estates under renovation to ensure materials meet fire safety standards, aiming to prevent another catastrophe. This horrific fire has sadly surpassed the 1996 Kowloon commercial blaze, which killed 41, marking it the deadliest in decades. With rescue missions complete, officials are turning their full attention to a detailed investigation that will seek answers and accountability. The goal: a safer and more secure future for residents avoiding such heart-breaking loss once again.