Under gloomy skies, a long queue formed yesterday (Nov. 30) at mourning sites across the eighteen districts. Near the scene of the fire, the line of people waiting to lay flowers at the Kwong Fuk Sitting-out Area stretched for over two kilometers, with waiting times often reaching an hour.
People waited quietly; some bowed their heads, recalling the deep bonds of neighbourhood camaraderie that turned to ashes overnight; some murmured prayers; others, though never having met the victims, shared the same plight under the Lion Rock and travelled from afar to pay their respects, letting the families of the deceased know: "You are not alone."
The overcast weather, occasionally swept by strong winds, did not stop hundreds of citizens from queuing to enter the mourning sites in various districts. They came to express their condolences for the unfortunate victims, to channel positive energy for the survivors, and to let everyone know that we are walking this path together.
At the Fu Heng Neighbourhood Community Centre mourning site, citizens dressed in plain black and grey clothes arrived holding simple flowers. Guided by staff, they moved forward slowly. Inside, the only sounds were the rustling of pages, faint footsteps, and occasional sobs. Many citizens lightly touched their chests or pressed their palms together in reverence at the tables. After signing the condolence book, some residents stood for a long time, while others wept in corners, comforted by friends or relatives who gently patted their shoulders. At the entrance, compassionate individuals still maintained donation boxes for supplies, encouraging mourning citizens to donate.
"I've lost three friends"
Adjacent to the fire scene, the Kwong Fuk Sitting-out Area has seen continuous queues since the night before last. Yesterday morning, citizens came in an endless stream to lay flowers and mourn. By noon, the queue stretched for two kilometres, with an estimated over a thousand people. The piles of bouquets transformed the Area into a sea of flowers, while heartfelt cards with sincere messages fluttered in the wind, sending blessings afar.
Tai Po resident Granny Lo, whenever she thought of the once-strong neighbourhood bonds consumed by the fire and of being separated from her old neighbours by life and death, could not hide her grief. Choking up, she said, "I've lost three friends. When I passed by Wang Fuk Court and looked up, I was deeply affected—burned like that. I tried calling them (the neighbours who lived there) a couple of days ago, but couldn't reach them. Later, people said they had passed away. I hope they (the families) take care of their health, live well, and carry on."
Three university students register to join volunteer team
Besides mourning close friends they knew well, many at the scene were compassionate individuals who had never met the affected residents, coming to pay their respects and contribute in their own small way. Among them were three university students who came on their day off, hoping to offer their modest condolences to the victims and to convey their care to the affected residents.
Over the past few days, they proactively contacted social service organizations, registering to join volunteer teams for distributing supplies and supporting temporary shelter. They helped sort donated clothes and daily necessities. Mak, one of the three students, said, "Seeing such a disaster is truly heartbreaking. As students, our power is limited, but we will do our best to help."
Secondary student films documentary, recording rescue efforts
Although Lee, a secondary school student, wasn't affected by school closures due to the fire, he used his spare time to join a volunteer team. Together with classmates, he filmed a documentary recording the on-site rescue operations. The footage showed some floors of the affected building still filled with thick smoke and open flames. Firefighters conducted sector searches and sprayed water to control the fire, while medical personnel stood by nearby.
Lee uploaded the footage to social media, hoping to raise more awareness and support. Many citizens commented "RIP" under the post, praying for the deceased. Yesterday, accompanied by his parents, he came to pay his respects, hoping to unite community strength to help those in need.
"We're here"
Human compassion is boundless. Mr. Chen, a resident of Guangzhou, made a special trip to Hong Kong yesterday to offer his small gesture.
"This is a show of support for the affected families. I hope the families of the deceased and the affected families stay strong."
This incident claimed the lives of over ten foreign domestic helpers, far from their homeland. Thus, many foreign domestic workers were also present at the scene to pay their respects. One said, "Very sad. They came to Hong Kong to work for a living, to improve their families' lives. They were dutiful and responsible, but in the end..."
Babar Imran and Awan Abdul Wahab, both of Pakistani descent but born and raised in Hong Kong, brought over thirty bouquets from Yuen Long to pay tribute to the firefighter who lost his life in the fire. They expressed that Hong Kong is their second home, and they are always ready to help, no matter when or where.
"No matter what country or religion, it doesn't matter. What matters most is people. Everyone is helping together. I even put aside matters at home; I had to come to the scene to help because Hong Kong is my second home." They also brought supplies, including daily necessities, lemon tea, and coffee.
"We have always been with the Hong Kong people. We will provide help 24/7, wherever needed. We are your brothers. Stay strong, everyone."
(Source: Wen Wei Po; Journalists: Cui Ying, Lee Tsz-shan, Lu Huiying, Xiao Jingyuan; English Editor: Darius)
Related News:
Wang Fuk Court No. 5 fires | DVIU continue grim search at fire-ravaged Hong Kong Estate
Comment