A No. 5 fire broke out at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po on the afternoon of Nov. 26, resulting in severe casualties. Yesterday (Dec. 2) marked the 7th day after the fire.
As night fell, the number of citizens gathering to pay their respects near Wang Fuk Court continued to grow. After 7 pm, a long line formed from Tai Po Market MTR Station all the way to the base of Wang Fuk Court. People were holding bouquets of flowers, and the pedestrian bridge and riverbanks were filled with mourners.
A group of volunteer flower distributors stated that the 2,500 flowers were obtained as free donations from local florists, and they began distributing them from noon until late at night.
The memorial was organized into several areas: the central section was filled with flowers and offerings, including food, condolence cards, and toys such as small yellow ducks. In addition, there were other dispersed areas, including sections for condolence cards, flowers, and paper cranes. The reporter also discovered a "star folding" area, encouraging citizens to fold colorful paper strips with uplifting messages into stars as a way to express their sorrow. One of the initiators, a young man, expressed his hope that citizens would turn their emotions into blessings for the future, wishing peace for the deceased and strength for the living.
The atmosphere at the site was quiet and solemn, occasionally punctuated by soft sobbing. Many kind-hearted individuals were carrying tissue boxes and offering paper tissues to passersby. The Civil Aid Services were also present, assisting anyone who appeared to be struggling emotionally by leading them to a nearby resting area. Additionally, a support area was set up by church members from various congregations across Hong Kong, mainly providing psychological support to the public. Some restaurant owners actively offered meals to the church volunteers, recognizing their hard work.
Our reporter from the news team encountered Mr. Lau at the scene. Holding flowers, he faced Wang Fuk Court with his hands together and bowed multiple times while softly saying phrases like "I hope you rest in peace." He then took out a pen and wrote a card: "Auntie, thank you for taking care of me since I was little." After writing, he seemed momentarily lost, unsure of where to place the card. The reporter helped him take the card and carefully stuck it in a spot he deemed secure, saying, "I hope Auntie can see this."
Through their conversation, it was revealed that Mr. Lau's aunt had lived in the severely affected Wang Tai House. Years ago, he and his mother lived with her in the Tai Po district before moving to Wong Tai Sin. Unfortunately, his 69-year-old aunt was unable to escape during the fire and had sent him a message after the incident stating that she was "having a tough time," after which contact was lost. His aunt had no other children, and following the incident, Mr. Lau felt lost and unsure of how to proceed. He had not reported to the police and was filled with sadness and confusion.
Upon understanding the situation, the reporter sought help from the emotional support personnel present. The support staff assessed that it was necessary to report the missing person to the police promptly for future identification, and they accompanied Mr. Lau to find an officer. After asking basic questions, the police brought him inside the cordoned area to record his details with a dedicated officer, ensuring that family members could be contacted for identification when remains were discovered. Watching Mr. Lau disappear into the night, the support personnel believed this was the most practical help they could offer him at this moment.
As the night deepened, the crowd lingered. The flowers quietly bloomed, and the ink on the condolence cards was still wet. Citizens accompanied the deceased through the night of the seventh day in their own ways.
Related News:
Wang Fuk Court No. 5 fire | Death toll increases to 156, 30 still missing
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