Hong Kong woman dies after saving 4 neighbours and a dog in deadly Tai Po blaze
A Hong Kong woman is being hailed as a hero after she died while alerting neighbours during the deadly Tai Po fire, saving four people and a dog before losing her life.
- Woman went door-to-door from the 17th floor to warn neighbours during the Tai Po fire.
- Her family says she saved four people and a dog but missed her own escape route.
- Tributes poured in online, describing her as the “brightest light” in the tragedy.
HONG KONG: A woman who died in the massive Tai Po residential fire is being remembered as a heroic neighbour who sacrificed her life to save others, after she reportedly helped four residents and a pet dog escape the blaze.
According to a post shared by her relatives in the “Tai Po Residents” Facebook group, the woman — who has not been publicly named — was found dead in her home following the inferno.
Her family said the circumstances of her final moments were even more heartbreaking than the loss itself.
“She exchanged her life for four people and a dog,” a family member wrote.
“The principles she lived by were the same principles she upheld in her final moment.”
The family added that while their grief is overwhelming, they believe she had no regrets about her choice.
She chose to warn neighbours instead of fleeing
Residents who survived the blaze told the family that the woman received an evacuation alert but did not leave immediately.
Instead, she started from the 17th floor and knocked on doors one by one, urging neighbours to escape.
Because she stayed behind to warn others, she reportedly missed the window of opportunity to flee.
As the flames intensified and smoke spread rapidly through the building, she is believed to have retreated to her home, where she succumbed to the fire.
Tributes pour in for a selfless heroine
After the story was shared online, thousands of netizens left messages expressing grief and admiration.
“An extraordinary woman — she illuminated the best of humanity,” one user wrote.
“Facing life and death, she still chose to save others. Only a true hero can do that,” another commented.
Others thanked her for her bravery: “Your kindness is the brightest light in this tragedy. Rest in peace.”
Death toll rises to 146 as Hong Kong enters mourning period
The deadly fire, first reported on 26 November 2025, rapidly escalated into a No. 5 alarm blaze — the most severe classification.
On 30 November, Hong Kong authorities confirmed that the death toll had risen to 146.
Seventy-nine people were injured, including 12 firefighters, while around 40 individuals remain missing and about 100 cases are considered “unresolvable”.
Families with children also lined up outside Sha Tin Fire Station to pay tribute to Ho Wai-ho, 37, the firefighter who was killed last Wednesday shortly after the blaze broke out.
Ho had reportedly been preparing to marry his long-time girlfriend in December.
0 Comments