Hong Kong held a public tribute for firefighter Ho Wai-ho, 37, who died fighting a massive Nov. 26 blaze that killed 160 people. The fire swept through seven buildings in a housing complex, making it the deadliest in the city in decades. Ho was posthumously named a senior fireman, and wreaths and residents' thank-you cards were displayed outside the Universal Funeral Parlour as officials, including leader John Lee, attended.
Hong Kong Mourns Firefighter Killed In City's Deadliest Blaze In Decades
HONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong residents gathered outside the Universal Funeral Parlour on Friday to pay tribute to a firefighter who died battling the massive blaze that has been described as the city's deadliest fire in decades. Ho Wai-ho, 37, was among the 160 people killed when a fire swept through seven buildings of a housing complex on Nov. 26.
Tributes and Ceremony
An array of wreaths and residents' thank-you cards lined the funeral parlour's exterior as mourners bowed and laid flowers in memory of Ho. The Fire Services Department posthumously awarded him the rank of senior fireman in recognition of his service and sacrifice.
Officials and Public Grief
Top officials, including Hong Kong leader John Lee, attended the funeral service, joining family members, colleagues and residents in honoring Ho's bravery. The public displays of grief underscored the deep impact of the Nov. 26 disaster on the local community.
The loss has prompted widespread mourning and raised questions about emergency response and building safety that local authorities continue to address.
