Firefighter killed in Tai Po blaze may have entered wrong building, inquiry told

South China Morning PostEN 1 min read 100% complete by Leopold ChenMarch 19, 2026 at 03:09 PM

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A public hearing is investigating the death of a firefighter, Ho Wai-ho, who died in a massive fire in Tai Po, Hong Kong, on November 26. The fire at the Wang Fuk Court residential complex killed 168 people and displaced nearly 5,000 residents. Initial findings suggest Ho may have entered the wrong building, Wang Tai House, during the initial response and become trapped on the 31st floor. Evidence indicates he removed his breathing apparatus, possibly to escape, and fell from a height. A preliminary autopsy revealed excessive carbon monoxide inhalation, burns, scratches, and broken bones. The independent committee aims to determine the circumstances surrounding Ho's death and the overall handling of the deadliest blaze in Hong Kong in decades.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Victor Dawes ×250% Wang Fuk Court 60% Tai Po ×270% Wang Tai House ×270% Hong Kong 80% Ho Wai-ho ×490%

Keywords

firefighter death 90% tai po blaze 80% public hearing 70% fire investigation 70% breathing apparatus 60% residential fire 50% fell from height 50% carbon monoxide 50% wang fuk court 40%