CROWDS GATHER TO PAY RESPECTS TO VICTIMS OF HONG KONG’S DEADLIEST FIRE IN DECADES. (PHOTO).

 Crowds gather to pay respects to victims of Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades

 Hong Kong residents gathered late into Saturday evening to mourn the victims of a devastating fire that claimed at least 128 lives and displaced thousands. Authorities have begun the painstaking work of searching through the remains of seven apartment towers, with officials warning that the death toll could rise in the coming days. In addition to those killed, at least 83 people were injured, and 150 remained unaccounted for.

A three-day period of official mourning began on Saturday, with Chief Executive John Lee and other government officials observing three minutes of silence in the morning. Flags across the city were lowered to half-staff, and condolence books were made available in all 18 districts. Near Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, makeshift memorials quickly formed, with over 1,000 people leaving flowers and handwritten messages in a nearby park by sunset. Many mourners dressed in black placed white roses, bowed to the distant towers, and left offerings of food in accordance with local traditions. Firefighter Eddie Chiang, who had battled the blaze for 13 hours, returned with his wife to leave a bouquet, reflecting both sorrow and a sense of closure. Others, like Iris Cheng and Toby Law, visited with their daughter, offering flowers and paying their respects.

The fire has prompted an outpouring of public support, though authorities later asked people to stop bringing donations as the volume became overwhelming. Police have completed searches in two of the buildings but estimate it could take three to four weeks to comb through the rest, as conditions remain challenging due to extensive damage and flooding. Many displaced residents have been relocated to hotels and hostels, with government assistance providing financial support. Survivors like Yu Siu Yuen have returned to Tai Po to register for services, coming to terms with the loss of homes and neighborhoods they may never return to, while grappling with personal losses from the tragedy.