The asteroid 34871 Howaiho has been named in honor of Ho Wai-ho, a 37-year-old Hong Kong firefighter who died fighting the Wang Fuk Court blaze in Tai Po last December. The fire burned for more than a day and resulted in 168 confirmed deaths. William Yeung Kwong-yu, a Hong Kong–born Canadian astronomer who has discovered over 2,000 minor planets, proposed the name. Authorities have blamed unsafe renovation materials, and several arrests and charges have followed.
Asteroid '34871 Howaiho' Named For Hong Kong Firefighter Killed In Tai Po Blaze
Asteroid named after Hong Kong firefighter who died in Tai Po inferno
An asteroid has been officially named 34871 Howaiho in memory of Ho Wai-ho, the 37-year-old Hong Kong firefighter who died while battling the devastating Wang Fuk Court fire in Tai Po last December.
Ho lost his life as crews fought an inferno that burned for more than a day and claimed 168 lives in one of the city’s deadliest residential blazes.
Funeral for firefighter Ho Wai-ho (AFP via Getty)
The naming was proposed by William Yeung Kwong-yu, a Hong Kong–born Canadian astronomer and former head of the Hong Kong Astronomical Society, who has discovered more than 2,000 minor planets. The object was first observed in 2001 and was previously catalogued as 34871; it is now formally registered as 34871 Howaiho.
"From now on, we can see you just by looking up at the night sky," Ho’s fiancée wrote on social media. "Dearest 34871 Howaiho, you have become a star and protect us as always."
The International Astronomical Union (IAU) praised Ho as a devoted public servant. The IAU noted he was formerly a police officer who served with courage in fire and rescue operations and died in the line of duty during a major fire accident, and said he is remembered for his bravery and dedication.
Asteroid 34871 'Howaiho' and its trajectory (IAU)
Mr Yeung said the asteroid’s naming is intended as a lasting tribute to Ho’s courage, sacrifice and lifesaving spirit.
Investigation and Legal Action
Hong Kong authorities have attributed the blaze to renovations carried out by a construction firm they described as "grossly negligent" for using unsafe materials. In recent weeks and months, multiple people have been arrested and charged in connection with the case: a court last week charged seven individuals and two companies involved in the renovation with offences including manslaughter and conspiracy; in March, police arrested 38 people and later charged nine of them; and the city’s anti-corruption agency said it had arrested 23 people on suspicion of bribery and conspiracy to defraud.
The asteroid dedication offers a symbolic and enduring recognition of Ho Wai-ho’s service amid an ongoing legal and public-interest investigation into the tragedy.
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