Hong Kong Begins mourning period for 128 people killed in fire accident

An outpouring of grief was set to sweep Hong Kong on Saturday as an official, three-day mourning period began with a moment of silence for the 128 people killed in one of the city's deadliest fires. 

City leader John Lee, along with senior ministers and dozens of top civil servants, stood in silence for three minutes at 8:00 am (0000 GMT) outside the government headquarters, where the flags of China and Hong Kong were



flown at half-mast.

Hours before that, AFP saw citizens placing flowers near the charred shell of Wang Fuk Court, the residential complex that burned for more than 40 hours. 

"May your spirits in heaven always keep the joy alive," read a note of remembrance placed at the site. Condolence points have been set up across Hong Kong for the public to sign condolence books, the government said.