The fire at Hong Kong's Tai Po Hong Fook Court has so far led to 94 deaths. On the 28th, most major newspapers in Hong Kong featured their mastheads and headlines in black as a sign of mourning. In addition, Pope Leo XIV, along with leaders, foreign ministers, and consulates general from multiple countries in Hong Kong, also expressed condolences or sympathy to the victims and their families in various forms.
As of the morning of the 28th, the fire had caused 94 deaths and 78 injuries, 12 of whom were in critical condition and 28 seriously injured.
The fire has now been mostly extinguished. Firefighters are still searching for victims, and since there are still missing persons, the death toll may rise.
In response to this tragedy, most front pages and headlines of Hong Kong’s newspapers appeared in black as an expression of mourning.
The Hong Kong Economic Times also published an editorial stating that the cause of the fire is still under investigation, and police suspect that the contractor used materials not compliant with fire safety standards. The government not only needs to immediately intensify inspections to eliminate hazards, but must also hold those responsible to account and review whether there are any regulatory loopholes needing correction.
Additionally, according to international and local media reports, Pope Leo XIV sent a telegram of condolence to Cardinal Stephen Chow, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong, expressing his sorrow for the tragedy.
The Australian Prime Minister, Russian President, Japanese Prime Minister, British Foreign Secretary, Canadian Foreign Minister, as well as consulates general of the United States, France, the Philippines, South Korea, New Zealand, South Africa, Mexico, and those of 30 other countries and the European Union in Hong Kong, all sent condolences and sympathy in various forms to the victims and their families.