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Hong Kong remains in a state of mourning following the fatal fires in Tai Po. As we grieve, we pay tribute to the brave Hong Kongers who stepped forward when it mattered most.
On Wednesday, 26 November, 2025, tragedy stuck Tai Po as a fire engulfed Wang Fuk Court, killing nearly 200 Hong Kongers and leaving thousands displaced. In the following days, stories of residents’ and first responders’ bravery have emerged, from accounts of domestic helpers rescuing children to a firefighter’s heroic death. Along with offering our condolences to the victims and their families, we also feel compelled to spotlight these courageous Hong Kongers. Their stories are a beacon of light in the current darkness, and we remain eternally grateful for their sacrifice.
Editors’ Note: Team Sassy stands in mourning with the families of the victims and prays for the recovery of the injured. We acknowledge that the heroism shown on 26/12/25 was widespread and will update these tributes to honour more stories as they emerge.
Read More: How To Help Tai Po Victims — A Guide To Donations & Support
Ho Wai-Ho (何偉豪)
Ho Wai-Ho was among the first teams of firefighters deployed to extinguish the fires at Wang Fuk Court on Wednesday. The 37-year-old, who served nine years in the Sha Tin Fire Station, tragically lost his life while on the scene. His girlfriend of 10 years, who he planned to marry next month, grieved his passing on social media: “My superhero has completed his mission and returned to Krypton. You are my pride.”
Read More: Where To Donate Essential Items & Supplies For Tai Po Fire Victims
Erawati
Erawati, a domestic worker from Dampit, Malang, was caring for her employer’s baby when the fire broke out. She covered the child with her body to protect them from the smoke, but passed away with the baby still in her arms. According to Tri Darmawan, Head of the Manpower Placement Division of the Malang Regency Manpower Office, the child ultimately survived thanks to her heroism. Erawati’s family has been informed of her passing and her body is expected to be repatriated to Indonesia.
Read More: Sassy Supports — HELP for Domestic Workers
Rhodora Alcaraz
Rhodora Alcaraz arrived in Hong Kong just one day before the Tai Po tragedy. The 28-year-old domestic worker was employed on the 13th floor of Wang Fuk Court, the home of a family with a newborn. During the fire, she covered the 3-month-old in a wet blanket for hours until the pair were rescued by firefighters. While Ms Alcaraz’s efforts successfully shielded the infant, she was hospitalised for her exposure to the smoke and remains in critical condition.
Read More: Sassy Supports — ImpactHK
Reinalyn Niere
Reinalyn Niere was asleep when the Wang Fuk Court fire erupted. The Filipina domestic worker had been employed at in the third-floor residence for one year, caring for the family’s three-year-old daughter. After a friend called Ms. Niere to wake her, she grabbed the child and fled down the smoke-filled stairwell. As she ran, she shielded the child from falling embers and flames, allowing them both their escape. Despite her heroism, Ms Niere says she wishes she had helped rescue her neighbours.
Read More: Sassy Supports – Grassroots Future
Nerissa Catabay
Nerissa Catabay, a domestic worker from the Philippines, was one of the few to immediately recognise the severity of the Tai Po fire. As soon as she saw flames, she grabbed her employer’s baby and fled, leaving behind all possessions. To escape the fire, Ms Catabay ran down 23 flights of stairs while carrying the child. With the catastrophe live-streamed, netizens watched her nearly collapse on the 11th floor before carrying on, resulting in their successful escape.
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