Hundreds mourn Hong Kong's deadliest fire victims ahead of elections

Hundreds of Hong Kong residents gathered on Sunday to lay flowers at Wang Fuk Court, mourning the victims of the city's deadliest fire in decades.

The tragedy, which killed 159 people, unfolded less than two weeks before the tightly controlled legislative elections, where only 'patriots' were allowed to run. As dusk fell, candles lined the pavement, police watched quietly, and families stood in silence. Authorities said the site will be cleared after midnight.

Forensic teams are still examining what police described as 'suspected human bones', warning that the death toll could rise.

Voters, meanwhile, went to the polls in an atmosphere heavy with grief and restraint.