1997 starts with a bang and memory of a tragedy

The biggest year in Hong Kong's short history was marked with its biggest fusillade of fireworks . . . 22,000 rounds marking the arrival of 1997.

An estimated 220,000 New Year revellers swarmed the beaches of Tuen Mun for the spectacular $2.5 million display.

But fears of the 1993 New Year Lan Kwai Fong tragedy quickly came to mind as police found it impossible to control the huge New Territories crowd.

When the 23-minute display ended, thousands of people became angry at not being able to get home due to inadequate transport.

Police were forced to call in all available reinforcements to cope with the crowds and were still struggling as a happy night deteriorated.

Elsewhere the night went off in comparative safety.