A firefighter killed in a devastating tower block fire was due to marry the love of his life in just weeks.
Ho Wai-ho was one of at least 55 people who lost their lives in yesterday’s (26 Nov) blaze in Hong Kong.
The 37-year-old died in the line of duty at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, a housing estate home to around 4,600 residents.
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Ho entered the inferno at about 3 pm, but roughly half an hour later, command centre staff lost contact with him.
At around 4 pm, he was found collapsed in front of the lifts on the building’s ground floor, his face badly burned.
He was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead at 4:41 pm, as reported by Need To Know.
A colleague later revealed that Ho had been planning to marry his girlfriend of more than a decade in December.
He paid tribute: “We won’t forget you and are grateful for everything you gave us. Shift’s over, rest well, bro.
“Your brothers at Yan Oi Tong are all proud of you. See you in the next life, my mate.”
Andy Yeung, Director of Fire Services, also honoured Ho, saying: “Having served with the Fire Services Department for about nine years, Mr Ho’s performance was valiant.
“I am profoundly grieved at the loss of this dedicated and gallant fireman. All of our colleagues are deeply saddened by the passing of such a devoted comrade.”
Wednesday’s blaze tore through seven of the eight high-rises in the public housing complex.
Hundreds are still unaccounted for, and three construction company executives have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.
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