The independent commission responsible for investigating the tragic blaze that occurred at the Hong Fu Court in Hong Kong in November last year, resulting in 168 fatalities, including firefighter Ho Wai Ho’s death, held its first hearing on March 19.
Chief representative of the independent commission, barrister Du Gan Kun, revealed the circumstances surrounding Ho Wai Ho’s tragic demise, indicating that the situation at that time was chaotic. He was originally assigned to rescue efforts at the Hong Cheung Court but mistakenly went to Hong Tai Court instead. Ho later sent a distress signal indicating he was trapped on the 30th floor but failed to specify the building’s location, complicating the rescue operation.
According to Du Gan Kun’s testimony, Ho Wai Ho was dispatched with his team to Hong Fu Court at 2:51 pm on the day of the incident and arrived around 3 pm. He was instructed to proceed to rescue unit 2701 at Hong Cheung Court. However, amidst the confusion at the scene, he ended up at Hong Tai Court instead. CCTV footage from the entrance of Hong Tai Court captured a firefighter entering around 3:15 pm, believed to be Ho Wai Ho.
Another segment showed him riding the elevator to the 25th floor, carrying a sledgehammer, wearing a helmet, and carrying a fire extinguisher.
Du Gan Kun further mentioned that at 3:22 pm, Ho issued a “Mayday Mayday” distress signal, indicating he was trapped on the 30th floor. Due to his failure to disclose the specific building he was in, the rescue operation faced difficulties.
At 3:55 pm, Ho Wai Ho was found lying in an open area opposite the lobby of Hong Tai Court. He was without breathing apparatus or a mask, lacked gloves, sledgehammer, firefighting boots, and his uniform bore clear signs of burning. He was rushed to the hospital and confirmed dead at 4:41 pm.
Subsequently, Ho’s breathing apparatus and mask were retrieved from the elevator lobby of the 30th floor at Hong Tai Court, while the firefighting boots were found on the ground opposite Hong Tai Court.
Du Gan Kun cited the autopsy report, confirming that Ho Wai Ho had suffered from significant carbon monoxide inhalation, multiple burns, and fractures throughout his body.
He also noted that the independent commission believes that due to the confusion in the field, Ho mistakenly entered the hazardous fire scene at the higher levels of Hong Tai Court. It is speculated that he may have removed his breathing apparatus and gloves in the harsh conditions, attempted to break through the window on the 31st floor with a scaffolding for escape, but tragically fell to his death.