Messages of condolences for the victims of the deadly fire at Tai Po’s Wang Fuk Court residential complex continue to pour in as firefighting and rescue efforts enter a third day. 94 people have been confirmed dead as of 6am on Friday. 76 others have been injured, including 11 firefighters, with many still presumed missing.
HKFP rounds up messages from government bodies, foreign state leaders and concern groups.
Grenfell United, UK
Grenfell United, a pressure group made up of the families of victims and survivors of the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire in London, which killed 72 people, issued a statement of support and solidarity with the victims of the Tai Po fire.
“Our hearts go out to all those affected by the horrific fire in Hong Kong. We are thinking of every family waiting for news, mourning loved ones, or holding onto hope for those still missing. To the families, friends and communities, we stand with you. You are not alone. “
John Lee, Hong Kong’s Chief Executive
“The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (November 26) was deeply saddened that the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po caused multiple deaths and injuries, including the passing of fire services personnel on duty. He extended his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and the injured,” the government said in a press release on Wednesday.
In a Facebook post on Thursday, Lee thanked first responders and vowed “full support” to the families of firefighters injured in the fire.
“I am grateful to all the fire, police, medical and frontline personnel who have been working on the rescue. The tragic loss of firemen is a great loss to us, and the Government will give full support to the families of the colleagues who died in the line of duty, as well as to the injured colleagues and their families. The government will do its best to provide support and assistance, and all sectors of the community will demonstrate selfless mutual assistance, whether it be free pick-up or donation, the glory of humanity everywhere. The Government will stand united with all Hong Kong people, and we are confident that we will be able to get through this together.”
Chris Tang, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Security
“I am profoundly grieved at the passing of Mr Ho, who lost his life in the course of an operation. I offer my deepest condolences to his family members.”
Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China
Chinese leader Xi Jinping expressed condolences to the victims’ families and a firefighter who perished during the rescue efforts.
“He offered sympathies to the families of the victims and those affected by the disaster, and called for making every effort to extinguish the fire and minimise casualties and losses,” he said, according to Chinese state media outlet CCTV.
Ingrid Yeung, Hong Kong Secretary for the Civil Service
“I pay solemn tribute to Mr Ho for his gallantry and selfless devotion to duty, and express the deepest condolences to his family on behalf of the Civil Service. The Civil Service Bureau has contacted the Fire Services Department and will make every effort to help the family of Mr Ho during this sad and difficult period.”
Andy Yeung, Director of Fire Services in Hong Kong
“Having been a member of the Fire Services Department for about nine years, Mr Ho’s performance was valiant. I am profoundly grieved at the loss of this dedicated and gallant fireman. All of our colleagues are deeply saddened by the loss of such a devoted comrade. On behalf of all our colleagues, I have offered the deepest condolences to his family.”
International Reactions
Lai Ching-te, President of Taiwan
“There have already been over a hundred casualties, with many people still missing. Fortunately, firefighters have worked tirelessly to bring the blaze under control. At this moment, let us all pray for Hong Kong together. I extend my deepest condolences to all Hong Kong friends who have passed away in this disaster and to their families, sincere sympathies to the injured, and hope that the missing can be safely found as soon as possible.”
Taiwan’s Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao also extended her condolences to the victims in a statement on social media.
Takaichi Sanae, Prime Minister of Japan
“I am deeply saddened by the massive fire that occurred in high-rise residential buildings in Hong Kong, causing significant loss. I express my deepest condolences to those who lost their lives and offer my sincere sympathies to their families. I also extend my heartfelt sympathies to the affected people.”
Yvette Cooper, UK Foreign Secretary
“The horrendous fire in Tai Po apartment blocks is truly devastating and deeply distressing. The UK sends heartfelt condolences to all the families affected and to the people of Hong Kong.”
Brian Davidson, British Consul General to Hong Kong and Macau
“Our hearts go out to all those grieving loved ones lost in the Tai Po fire, and to those still waiting anxiously for news. With the blaze not yet fully extinguished, we stand in solidarity with Hong Kong during this harrowing time and thank the emergency services for their tireless efforts.”
The British Consulate-General issued a separate statement on Thursday mourning the victims of the fire.
Tommy Pigott, US State Department’s Principal Deputy Spokesperson
“The United States extends its deepest condolences to the people of Hong Kong, and especially to the victims and families affected by the devastating Tai Po fire. We mourn the loss of life and honor the courage of emergency teams working tirelessly to respond to this tragedy.”
The US Consulate General in Hong Kong and Macau has also issued a statement mourning the victims of the fire.
Johann Wadephul, Foreign Minister of Germany
“Terrible news from Hong Kong, where residential buildings are engulfed in a major fire. My thoughts go out to the victims, to everyone fearing for their loved ones and all who work tirelessly to reach those still trapped in the flames.”
Annika Bolten-Drutschmann, Germany’s Consul General to Hong Kong and Macau, thanked “the brave firefighters, first responders, and emergency-service personnel” in a statement on LinkedIn.
Anita Anand, Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs
“Canada is deeply saddened by the tragic fire in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, and we wish a full and speedy recovery to all who were injured. Our thoughts are also with those still working tirelessly to assist those affected.”
Ambassador Harvey Rouse, European Union Office to Hong Kong and Macao
“The Tai Po fire is a tragedy, which deeply saddens us all. My heartfelt thoughts are with the people affected and their loved ones. My deep condolences go out to the families of the victims. My admiration and support go to Hong Kong’s brave firefighters, paramedics and doctors. All of us at the European Union Office to Hong Kong and Macao stand in solidarity with the Hong Kong community during this difficult moment.”
Michał Kołodziejski, Consul General of Poland in Hong Kong
“We join the people of Hong Kong in mourning those who lost their lives, were injured, or suffered the loss of loved ones or their homes in the devastating fire in Tai Po last night. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with all those affected during this difficult time.”
The Consulate said on Thursday that there were no Poles among the victims of the tragedy identified so far.
Consulate General of France in Hong Kong and Macau
“The Consulate General of France is profoundly saddened by the tragic fire in Tai Po. Our thoughts are with the victims, those affected, their families as well as the firefighters and emergency services. France stands in full solidarity with the people of Hong Kong.”
Consulate General of the Netherlands in Hong Kong & Macao
“The Netherlands CG is deeply saddened by the tragic fire in Tai Po. Our heartfelt thoughts are with the victims and their relatives. Our deep admiration goes to all Hong Kong’s brave firefighters. We stand in solidarity with the Hong Kong community during this difficult time.”
The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also issued a statement, mourning the deaths and expressing solidarity with the victims of the fire.
Helen McEntee, Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Minister for Defence
“I send my deepest sympathies to the people of Hong Kong in the wake of the terrible fire in the Tai Po district. My condolences to those who tragically lost loved ones. My thoughts are with the injured, the first responders and those who continue to bravely assist rescue efforts.”
In a statement, the Consulate General of Ireland extended condolences to the affected families and appreciation to the first responders involved in rescue efforts.
Asif Ali Zardari, President of Pakistan
“The president extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and conveyed sympathy to all those affected by the tragedy. In a message of condolences to President Xi Jinping and the people of China, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity at this difficult time.”
Amir Lati, Consul General of Israel in Hong Kong
“My colleagues and I at the Consulate General of Israel in Hong Kong are in great sorrow to learn about the fire in Tai Po yesterday and the tragic loss of lives, including a firefighter who was killed saving lives. On behalf of the State of Israel, we extend our heartfelt condolences to their families and loved ones. May their memories be a blessing. Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time and we pray for those who are injured and missing. We wish a quick recovery for the wounded. We commend the bravery and commitment of the teams at the fire and medical services in Hong Kong who worked tirelessly to contain the fire and save lives.”
Consulate General of Indonesia
In a statement on Thursday, the Indonesian consulate general in Hong Kong said two Indonesians had died in the Wang Fuk Court fire in Tai Po and that two others had been injured.
“The safety and well-being of our nationals remain our utmost priority. The Consulate General continues to maintain close coordination with the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) and other relevant parties to support our nationals affected by the fire.”
Consulate General of Italy in Hong Kong
“The Consulate General of Italy is deeply saddened by the tragic fire in Tai Po. In this difficult time, our thoughts are with the victims, their families and loved ones, firefighters and first responders, and all those affected.”
Saudi Arabian Consulate General in Hong Kong
“The Consulate General in Hong Kong and Macao expresses its condolences and sympathies to the government and friendly people of Hong Kong following the fire in the Tai Po area north of Hong Kong, and the Consulate affirms its solidarity with the government and people of Hong Kong in this grave affliction, expressing its sincere condolences to the families of the deceased, and its wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured.”
Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong
“The Consulate General deeply sympathizes with the victims and their families and joins the people of Hong Kong in praying for the speedy recovery of those injured in the fire and for the eternal repose of the fatalities in this tragedy.”
Consulate General of Spain
“The Consulate General of Spain is deeply saddened by the horrific fire at Tai Po that has claimed so many lives. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to those affected and their families. We stand in solidarity with the community of Hong Kong in these trying times.”
Turkish Consulate General in Hong Kong
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives caused by the fire that broke out yesterday (26 November) in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). We extend our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and to the people of the PRC.”
Consulate General of India in Hong Kong
“We express our heartfelt condolences to all affected by the tragic fire in Tai Po, Hong Kong. We extend our deepest sympathies to all the family members and friends who have suffered bereavement in this unfortunate tragedy. We pray for the speedy recovery of those who are injured.”
Australian Consulate-General Hong Kong & Macau
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic fire in Tai Po. Our hearts go out to people affected and those who are concerned for loved ones at this very difficult time.”
Consulate General of Malaysia in Hong Kong
“The Consulate General of Malaysia is deeply saddened by the tragic fire in Tai Po. We extend condolences to all affected & stand ready to assist the affected Malaysian citizens.”
New Zealand Consulate General Hong Kong & Macao
“We send our deepest condolences to the people of Hong Kong following the devastating fires in Tai Po and the tragic loss of life. Our thoughts are with families affected and those concerned for loved ones.”
United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) expressed its sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims, and to the government and people of China over this tragedy, as well as its wishes for a speedy recovery for all the injured.
