A Hong Kong district officer has apologised for the clothing she wore at the funeral of the firefighter Ho Wai-ho, who died battling the Tai Po blaze, after her choice of attire drew criticism from many online.
In a social media post, the Home Affairs Department said that following Hong Kong’s worst fire in decades – which killed at least 161 lives – Tai Po district officer Eunice Chan Hau-man and her team had been doing their best to deal with the aftermath.
“However, the choice of clothing at yesterday’s road ceremony attracted everyone’s attention. The Tai Po district officer sincerely apologised,” it said.
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“[Chan] expressed her highest respect and deep condolence to Mr Ho Wai-ho … who died heroically in the line of duty. We will continue to do a good job in the aftermath of [the fire] in the future.”
The Fire Services Department held an official funeral for Ho at Universal Funeral Parlor on Friday, which was attended by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and other top government officials.
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The mood was sombre as family members, friends, colleagues and key officials bid farewell to the firefighter.
Chan became the target of online criticism over the outfit she wore during the roadside funeral procession held after the official closed-door ceremony.