Hong Kong has commenced an official three-day mourning period following the devastating residential fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, with memorial services beginning Saturday after firefighting and rescue operations were substantially completed.
Chief Executive John Lee led the solemn ceremonies at government headquarters, where he joined principal officials and civil servants in observing a three-minute silence at 8:00 am. The national flag and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region flag were flown at half-mast in tribute to the victims of one of the city’s deadliest residential fires in recent history.
The government has established condolence points across all 18 districts of Hong Kong, allowing citizens to express their grief and sign memorial books throughout the mourning period. These designated spaces have become focal points for community solidarity, with many residents leaving flowers and personal notes honoring those lost in the tragedy.
According to the latest police statistics released Saturday afternoon, the catastrophic blaze has claimed 128 lives and left 83 individuals injured. In a positive development amid the tragedy, all 144 people previously reported missing have been accounted for and confirmed safe.
Financial support for victims and relief efforts has reached approximately HK$1.1 billion (US$141.3 million), as announced by Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration Cheuk Wing-hing. The substantial fund consists of HK$800 million in public donations and HK$300 million in government grants, demonstrating both official and community commitment to supporting those affected by the disaster.