Nepalese Community Mourns Fire Victims

Members of the Nepalese community have paid tribute to the seven people who were killed in a fire in Jordan on Sunday night.

Scores of people gathered on a pavement opposite the tenement building on Canton Road on Wednesday evening to sing songs and lay flowers and other offerings in memory of the victims.

Some lit candles to mourn the dead.

The victims had reportedly been celebrating Diwali and a birthday at an unlicensed Nepalese restaurant inside the building when tragedy struck.

One of the mourners, Khadka Hima, said she knew some of the victims personally. "Very sad, [it's] very difficult now… This is my first time in my life [experiencing this], very difficult," she said.

Lalit Chhetri said he came from the same town as some of the victims. "We know them for a long time, that’s why we want to pray for them," he said.

The acting Nepalese consul general, Kiran Gurang, led a moment of silence during the memorial.

He said he hopes the SAR government can provide housing support to those affected.

Meanwhile, a foundation created by property tycoon Li Ka-shing said it will be providing HK$3 million in financial support for the victims’ families as well as those injured.

Ten people who were hurt in the blaze remain in hospital, with seven still in critical condition.