Why National Day fireworks weren't cancelled sparks debate

The decision to go ahead with the National Day fireworks display 30 minutes after the ferry collision has caused much debate online.

Some argued the government was trying not to spoil the happy mood of the holiday, while others thought the administration was trying to cover up the accident.

Some said the display had to take place because more than 300,000 people had gathered around the harbour, waiting for the show, and cancelling it could have created a problem.

The Marine Department said there were 150 vessels in the harbour waiting for the fireworks.

The debate also extended to whether the city should stage fireworks displays at future National Days, which they said should become a day to mourn the victims of the tragedy.

Other online forum commentators asked why the nightly Symphony of Lights show was not cancelled immediately and why a day of mourning was not called immediately after the collision.