Hong Kong Fire Kills 156, Exposes Building Safety Crisis

A massive fire in a Hong Kong residential block has killed 156 people, marking one of the city's deadliest disasters in decades. The blaze broke out on November 26 at Wang Fuk Court in the Tai Po district. Authorities confirmed the death toll as of December 2. The victims include one firefighter. Rescue teams continue to search for 30 people who remain missing. The disaster has sparked urgent public debate about building safety standards. Officials are under pressure to explain how the fire spread so rapidly through the high-rise structure. The investigation into the fire's cause is ongoing. The tragedy has left the densely populated city in a state of mourning and raised serious questions about residential safety regulations.