At precisely 9am on Saturday morning, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu led senior officials, Executive Council members, civil-service heads, disciplined-services chiefs, and Hospital Authority leaders in a solemn three-minute silence outside Central Government Offices East Wing, as the city paused to honor the 128 lives lost in the Wang Fuk Court tragedy.
Hundreds of ordinary citizens gathered on the open plaza and connecting footbridges, standing shoulder to shoulder with the officials in quiet tribute.
Among them, a tearful Law said the disaster had left her heartbroken, and she simply wanted to offer whatever small comfort she could.
Another resident from Sheung Shui, Cho, admitted the past days had been emotionally draining as she followed every update, adding that she had tried to sign up as a volunteer only to be told help was already sufficient for now.
Staff from the Legislative Council and lawmakers’ offices also joined the vigil, many visibly moved.
One woman said the pain was overwhelming, and all she wished was for survivors to rebuild their homes quickly.
When the silence ended, mourners quietly placed two bouquets of white flowers at the government complex gates before dispersing.
