HONG KONG — Citizens across Hong Kong have gathered for three days of solemn remembrance at the Kowloon Funeral Parlor, honoring those tragically lost in the recent horrific apartment complex fire in Tai Po’s Wang Fuk Court. Today, December 2, marks the seventh day since the devastating blaze, known as the “first seven” in Chinese custom, drawing large crowds seeking to pay their final respects following the tragedy.
The temporary memorial hall, open from November 30 to December 2, has become a focal point for communal grief. Decorated simply with white flowers and a banner reading “Forever Missed,” the atmosphere within the parlor remains profoundly somber. Mourners, many carrying white floral tributes, expressed deep sorrow for the victims of the five-alarm fire. The outpouring of public grief underscores a strong community desire for comfort and accountability.
A Quest for Solace and Accountability
The location provides a space for those who feel unable or unwilling to attend the disaster site directly. Shirley, a 20-year-old student who traveled from Sha Tin, explained she avoided the Wang Fuk Court site out of respect for the victims’ immediate families. “This is a less intrusive way to offer comfort,” she noted, seeking a quiet place for reflection.
The public response extended beyond simple mourning. Volunteers like Ms. Ren, assisting at the parlor, articulated a broader call for action. Deeply saddened by the event, she voiced the common plea for a transparent government investigation: “We hope the government thoroughly examines this incident to deliver justice for the deceased.”
The calls for accountability resonated globally. Jaffar Ali, a visitor from Pakistan, specifically urged relevant authorities to take responsibility for the catastrophe. Furthermore, he emphasized the critical need for robust support from the Hong Kong government for those who lost family members and property in the fire.
Community Unites Through Shared Rituals
The sheer volume of mourners has steadily increased since the hall opened. Thomas Kam, general manager of Kowloon Funeral Parlor, observed that beyond traditional silence, citizens were spontaneously creating traditional offerings like paper cranes and sycee (paper money). He also noted the significant volunteer efforts, including support from students at Hong Kong Metropolitan University.
The rituals provided essential emotional outlets. Today, Buddhist and Taoist priests performed chanting ceremonies in the afternoon, providing additional spiritual comfort. Raymond Kwan, founder of the funeral service provider, remarked that the growing number of visitors highlights the community’s need for various religious formats to process their pain. He announced his company plans to offer future “life and death education” seminars, aimed at helping surviving family members navigate grief and loss through a clearer understanding of mortality.
For those unable to attend in person, the funeral parlor facilitated an online avenue for expression. Messages submitted through the parlor’s website expressing sympathy for the victims and survivors are being projected within the memorial hall, ensuring that diverse forms of remembrance reach the mourning community. The ongoing public vigil serves as both a testament to the tragic losses and a collective demand for measures that ensure such a disaster is not repeated.
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