19th December 2025 – (Hong Kong) A full honours funeral has been held in Hong Kong for firefighter Ho Wai-ho, who died in the line of duty during the five-alarm blaze at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, an inferno that left more than one hundred people dead or injured. Ho, aged 37, is survived by his parents, elder brother, younger brother and fiancée, and has been posthumously remembered across the city as a symbol of courage and selfless service.
The Fire Services Department arranged the highest grade of ceremonial funeral for Ho at Universal Funeral in Hung Hom. A public condolence area was set up outside the funeral home, allowing members of the public to pay their last respects before the official rites commenced. Many citizens came forward with white flowers, expressing gratitude for Ho’s sacrifice and offering prayers that he may rest in peace.
At the heart of the hall, a portrait of Ho in his full firefighting uniform was prominently displayed, flanked by a banner bearing the words“heroic spirit forever”. Large numbers of colleagues in formal Fire Services uniforms were seen meticulously overseeing arrangements inside the hall, reflecting the deep respect and affection in which Ho was held by his fellow officers.
The solemnity of the occasion was underlined by the attendance of the city’s top leadership. Chief Executive John Lee, Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki and Executive Council member Arthur Li Kwok-cheung all travelled to the funeral home to offer their condolences in person. Secretary for Security Chris Tang also attended the hall to pay tribute, alongside senior figures from other disciplined services, including representatives from the Hong Kong Police Force and the Customs and Excise Department. Police Commissioner Joe Chow was among those who arrived by car and entered the hall to bow before Ho’s portrait.
Following the indoor rites, the specially designated fire services hearse departed Universal Funeral, with government officials and Fire Services personnel lining up outside to salute Ho one final time as the cortege moved off. The funeral procession was scheduled to travel past the scene of the Wang Fuk Court disaster in Tai Po for a roadside ritual of remembrance, before proceeding to Sha Tin Fire Station. Members of the public were invited to stand along the route to bid their silent farewell as the hearse passed.
On reaching Sha Tin Fire Station, where Ho had been stationed during his service, Fire Services Department management were to lead officers in forming an honour guard, offering a final salute to their fallen colleague at the station entrance. The cortege would then continue to Gallant Garden at Wo Hop Shek, where Ho was to be laid to rest with full honours, joining other public servants who lost their lives in the line of duty.
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