The Hong Kong authorities declared an official period of mourning for three days starting on the 29th in connection with the apartment fire disaster.

According to Hong Kong media including the South China Morning Post (SCMP), regarding the fire that continued for 43 hours across seven buildings in ‘Wong Fuk Court’, a 32-story apartment complex in Tai Po in northern Hong Kong, the authorities made this announcement. During the mourning period, at government offices the Five-starred Red Flag of China and the Hong Kong flag will be flown at half-mast. Various commemorative events such as performances hosted or sponsored by the government will be postponed or canceled.

Senior Hong Kong officials observed a three-minute silence starting at 8 a.m. that day to honor the victims. Condolence sites were set up across the city and condolence books were made available. King Charles III of the United Kingdom also issued a message of condolence. The Hong Kong authorities appealed for unity among citizens and warned they would respond firmly to online rumors and the like.

According to the authorities, as of 8:15 p.m. the previous day, the death toll was 128, including one firefighter. The injured numbered 79, and about 200 people were missing. As search operations proceed, more deaths are expected to be found among the missing. It was the worst loss of life in 77 years since a warehouse fire in 1948 that left 176 dead.

In Hong Kong, public demand is mounting for explanations as to why the flames spread significantly within just a few minutes, why the fire alarm did not sound, and whether there were problems during construction. Investigations into the cause of the accident and probes of construction-related personnel are also ongoing.