A heroic firefighter has been identified as the first victim of a devastating fire that ripped through a Hong Kong apartment complex, claiming 44 lives and leaving hundreds unaccounted for.
A Gallant Sacrifice in the Line of Duty
The inferno, which began on Wednesday 26 November 2025, engulfed the Wang Fuk Court residential estate in the Tai Po district. The blaze originated on the external scaffolding of a 32-storey tower block, rapidly consuming bamboo scaffolding and construction netting before spreading inside the building and leaping to nearby high-rises, likely fuelled by windy conditions.
Firefighter Ho Wai Ho, aged 37, lost his life while courageously saving residents from the burning building. The nine-year veteran of the Fire Services Department, who was stationed at the Sha Tin station as part of a 'small relief' team, was found collapsed at the scene. He was rushed to the Prince of Wales Hospital but tragically succumbed to his injuries at 4.41 pm local time.
A City in Mourning and a Challenging Rescue
As firefighters battled the flames for a second day on Thursday, the scale of the disaster became clear. Nearly 280 people were still missing, making this one of Hong Kong's deadliest fires. Fire crews faced immense challenges, aiming water at the flames from ladder trucks amidst difficult conditions that hampered both firefighting and rescue efforts.
Authorities and friends have paid emotional tribute to Mr Ho's 'gallantry and selfless devotion to duty'. Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed his condolences for the firefighter and extended sympathies to the families of all victims. Hong Kong's Chief Executive, John Lee, said he was deeply saddened by the loss of life, while Fire Services Director Andy Yeung described Mr Ho's performance as 'valiant'.
On social media, a friend shared a picture from Mr Ho's graduation with a poignant message: 'Please remember the hero's face. We won't forget you. Thank you for giving everything for us. You're off duty now, rest well bro.'
Aftermath and Investigation
In the wake of the catastrophe, Hong Kong authorities have arrested an engineering consultant and two directors of a construction company on suspicion of manslaughter. The Wang Fuk Court complex, built in the 1980s and undergoing major renovation, consisted of nearly 2,000 apartments across eight buildings, housing approximately 4,800 residents, many of whom were elderly.
The community has been severely impacted, with nearly 900 people evacuated to temporary shelters overnight. The search for the missing and the investigation into the cause of this tragic event continue.
