Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu expressed his condolences following a deadly fire in Tai Po that claimed the lives of 36 people, including a firefighter who died in the line of duty.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday evening, Lee said he had immediately activated the Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre in response to the fire, received reports from the Security Bureau and the Fire Services Department, and directed these departments to prioritize firefighting, rescue, and treatment efforts.
“All government departments are providing assistance to residents affected by the fire, with a priority on people’s safety and well-being,” he wrote.
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The Home Affairs Department, the District Office, and the Social Welfare Department have set up on-site assistance stations, arranged temporary shelters for affected individuals, and are providing support and emotional counseling to the families of the deceased and injured.
The firefighter who lost his life was identified as Ho Wai-ho, 37, a member of the Sha Tin Fire Station who joined the service nine years ago. He was found collapsed at the scene in the afternoon.
Director of Fire Services Andy Yeung Yan-kin expressed “profound sadness” at Ho’s passing. During his service, “Ho’s performance was valiant,” Yeung said. “I am profoundly grieved at the loss of this dedicated and gallant fireman. All of our colleagues are deeply saddened by the loss of such a devoted comrade.”
Yeung pledged to provide the utmost support and assistance to Ho’s family, adding he offered his deepest condolences on behalf of all Fire Services Department colleagues.
Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung, in a statement, said he was saddened by Ho’s death and expressed his condolences to Ho’s family and to the other families of those who perished in the fire. He also wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
Tang said the Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre began operating on Wednesday afternoon to coordinate efforts across departments to manage the impact of the fire.
Tang said that, while the Fire Services Department is doing its utmost to extinguish the blaze, the Security Bureau and other relevant departments are providing full support and assistance to those affected.
The Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau announced the cancellation of four Legislative Council election forums that were scheduled to take place on Thursday and Friday. The forums are held for the Dec 7 Legislative Council elections.
Lo Hiu-fung, a member of the Tai Po District Council, said he arrived the scene at around 3 pm after receiving alerts from local residents. By then, firefighting and medical personnel had already begun rescue and fire suppression operations.
Lo said the district’s Care Teams primarily assisted in coordinating evacuation, addressed residents’ inquiries, assisted in registering missing people, and documented property damage.
“Undoubtedly, everyone feels devastated by this fire,” Lo said, adding there were on-site community support personnel providing emotional counseling to help affected residents cope during this difficult time.
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The Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong also issued a statement expressing its profound concern over the incident and extending its condolences and deepest sympathies to the families of those who perished.
The party dispatched its Tai Po district team to the scene to provide all feasible assistance without hindering emergency operations.
It has also decided to suspend all election campaigning activities in light of the tragedy, calling on all sectors of society to provide joint support and care for affected residents.
Six schools in the area have suspended classes on Thursday due to the traffic disruptions and ongoing fire rescue efforts. Educational psychologists are providing counseling for affected students.
Contact the writers at stacys@chinadailyhk.com
