Ho Wai-ho, a 37-year-old firefighter, lost his life battling a blaze at the Wang Fuk Court apartment complex in Hong Kong on 26/11/2024, just weeks before he was due to marry his girlfriend of 10 years. His girlfriend expressed her grief in a social media post today, stating, "I truly wish I could hold your hand again. My superhero has completed his mission and returned to where he belongs. I am proud of you." She added that she "cannot accept what happened" and planned to stay away from the Internet for a while.

Ho was dispatched to the Wang Fuk Court area at 3 PM on 26/11/2024, approximately 9 minutes after the fire erupted. Director of the Hong Kong Fire Services Department, Andy Yeung Yan-kin, stated that Ho Wai-ho lost contact with his team after about 30 minutes of fighting the blaze, as the fire intensified and spread to adjacent buildings. His colleagues later found Ho collapsed in an open area near the apartment complex, his face covered in burns. He was rushed to the hospital but died at 4:41 PM.

The couple had been together for more than 10 years and planned to marry next month. On his social media account, Ho Wai-ho had shared many photos capturing happy moments with his girlfriend. "Thank you very much. Even if you find it annoying, I have to say this one hundred times. I love you. Always smile like this," read a caption on one photo.

Firefighter Ho Wai Ho and his girlfriend. *Photo: Instagram/Ho Wai Ho*

Tributes poured in from friends and family. Many social media users offered condolences, calling Ho a hero. "He is not just your superhero, but a superhero to all of us. Please take care of yourself," one user wrote. A friend of Ho posted a photo of them together from his fire academy graduation, sharing, "Please remember the face of this hero. We will not forget you. Thank you for sacrificing everything for everyone. Your last shift has ended. May you rest in peace."

Ho's cousin also expressed sadness, stating, "When I was little, I found you annoying and arrogant, but now I think you are amazing. You are the best, but not in this way." She added that her cousin's passing shocked her and she only wished he would return safely after completing his duty.

Ho Wai Ho (right) with a friend at his fire academy graduation. *Photo: Threads/tracylam923*

According to Hong Kong officials, Ho Wai-ho had served with the fire department for 9 years. Director Andy Yeung Yan-kin expressed that he and all colleagues were "deeply saddened by the loss of a dedicated and courageous firefighter." Chinese President Xi Jinping extended his condolences to the victims and their families, including Ho.

The Hong Kong Fire Services Department reported that as of the afternoon of 27/11/2024, at least 65 people had died in the fire, with 70 injured, including 10 firefighters. Rescue teams noted 62 people calling for help from inside the buildings who had not yet been reached.

By Huyen Le (According to Standard, SCMP)