The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today mourned victims of the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, and expressed its profound condolences.

At 8am, Chief Executive John Lee – together with principal officials, Executive Council Non-official Members, and civil servants – observed a three-minute silence at the forecourt of the Central Government Offices East Wing, in solemn tribute to those who tragically lost their lives in the fire.

Also observing the silence were Executive Deputy Director of the Hong Kong & Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office (HKMAO) of the State Council Xu Qifang, who came to Hong Kong to assist in disaster relief works; Deputy Director of the Hong Kong & Macao Work Office of the CPC Central Committee, Deputy Director of the HKMAO of the State Council and Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong SAR Zhou Ji; and Deputy Director of the Hong Kong & Macao Work Office of the CPC Central Committee and the HKMAO of the State Council Nong Rong.

Subsequently, Mr Lee, Mr Xu, Mr Zhou, Mr Nong and principal officials signed a book of condolence at the CGO in tribute to the victims.

From today until December 1, the Home Affairs Department will station condolence points across the city's 18 districts for the public to sign condolence books. The books will be available for signing from 9am to 9pm.

During the mourning period, national flags and regional flags displayed at all government buildings, including offices of the Hong Kong SAR Government outside Hong Kong, will be flown at half-mast. All celebration activities organised by the Government will be cancelled or postponed as appropriate. Government officials will also reduce their attendance at non-essential public activities.