‘Feeling powerless’: Hong Kong internet users grieve over Tai Po blaze

Internet users in Hong Kong poured out condolences for victims and their families affected by the city’s worst fire in decades, expressing shock and disbelief on the second day of the tragedy on Thursday.

Many sent messages of grief and condolences on social media, with several posts offering material support and blood donations.

As of 2.50pm on Thursday, 55 people have died, including a firefighter, as an inferno ripped through all but one of the eight blocks of Wang Fuk Estate in Tai Po that has been burning for 24 hours.

Full-scale rescue work is ongoing, with the elderly and pets continuing to be evacuated from the scorched buildings.

Many online posts praised the bravery of first responders. “I couldn’t help but cry after seeing that even pets were being rescued. Salute to Hong Kong firefighters!” wrote user “lapiswsr” on Threads.

“Every firefighter deserves our utmost respect,” user “cutekatyusha._.030” wrote.