A memorial service was held by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government on Saturday morning with a moment of silence and flags at half-mast for the 128 victims of deadly fire in Tai Po’s Wang Fuk Court, marking the start of a three-day citywide mourning period.
The service commenced with the raising of the national and regional flags, followed by their lowering and a solemn three-minute silence. The service was attended by central government representatives and principal officials of Special Administrative Region government, while dozens of residents gathered outside the the East Wing Forecourt of government headquarters to join the tribute, some having waited since around 7 am.
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The officials later signed condolence books to pay their tribute.
From Saturday to Monday, national flags and regional flags displayed at all government buildings , including the government’s offices outside Hong Kong, will be flown at half-mast. During the mourning period, officials will not attend non-essential public activities, with all entertainment and celebration activities organized or funded by the government will be canceled or postponed as appropriate.
During the mourning period, condolence points will be set up in all 18 districts for the public to sign condolence books to mourn for the victims.
The fire, one of the deadliest in Hong Kong's recorded history and burned for 43 hours from Wednesday afternoon until Friday morning, has killed 128 people, including one firefighter, with some 200 people still missing including 89 bodies yet to be identified. Seventy-nine people, including 12 firefighters, were injured. Rescue, investigation, and relief work are still ongoing.
