HONG KONG — Hong Kong’s top leadership, joined by central government representatives, held a solemn mourning ceremony on Wednesday for the victims of the deadly fire that recently ravaged Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, resulting in multiple casualties.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, flanked by principal officials, members of the Executive Council, civil service leaders, heads of disciplined services, and Hospital Authority management, led the gathering at the forecourt of Government Headquarters in Admiralty. They were joined by prominent mainland officials, including Xu Qifang, Executive Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, Zhou Ji, Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government, and Nong Rong, Deputy Director of the Central Hong Kong and Macau Work Office, underscoring the deep impact of the tragedy.
The brief but profound ceremony began at 8 a.m. with a police honor guard raising the national flag before quickly lowering it to half-mast. The officials and dignitaries then observed a three-minute period of silent reflection to honor those who perished. A large contingent of citizens, many dressed somberly in dark colors, voluntarily gathered outside the complex, observing the rite alongside the government delegation.
Following the approximately five-minute ritual, top officials and non-official members of the Executive Council proceeded to a specially established condolence area in the West Wing of the government complex to sign a book of mourning.
The territory entered three days of official mourning spanning Nov. 29 to Dec. 1. During this period, both the national flag and the regional flag have been ordered to fly at half-mast on all government buildings and facilities across Hong Kong, including overseas special administrative region offices.
In a mark of respect, principal government officials have canceled all non-essential public appearances and engagements. Furthermore, all entertainment and celebratory events organized or funded by the government are being assessed for prompt cancellation or postponement and will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
To facilitate public expression of grief, the Home Affairs Department has established condolence stations in all 18 districts across the territory. Members of the public wishing to pay their respects and sign the books of condolence can do so from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily until the conclusion of the mourning period on Friday, Dec. 1.
The widespread display of lower flags and the official period of silence reflect the community’s collective sorrow over the Tai Po inferno, which remains under investigation by authorities. The ongoing mourning period serves as an important moment for the city to pause, remember the lives lost, and extend solace to the affected families. Authorities continue to prioritize support services for the injured and displaced residents in the wake of the devastating residential fire.
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