A devastating residential building fire in Tai Po’s Wang Fuk Court has spurred a remarkable community response, with several prominent Hong Kong entertainers moving quickly to assist victims by collecting and transporting essential supplies. The immediate and coordinated effort underscores the rapid mobilization of social aid networks during a local crisis.
The incident, which resulted in multiple casualties and injuries, prompted members of popular groups MIRROR (Frankie Chan Sui-fai) and ERROR (Kwok Ka-chun, known as 193), alongside local resident and artist Ng Po-kei, to take tangible action beyond social media advocacy. The stars leveraged their platforms and personal time to deliver urgently needed resources to the displaced residents.
Frankie Chan documented the immediate outpouring of support, sharing images of ordinary citizens carrying bulk provisions toward the local community hall designated as a temporary shelter. He described being moved by the scale of grassroots efforts, noting that he simply followed the “large crowd of citizens” to locate the donation center. Chan highlighted the involvement of students from nearby dormitories, underscoring the spontaneous “cooperation from all sides when one side faces difficulty.”
Following his delivery run, Chan engaged directly with affected residents in a private chat group, inquiring about specific shortages. He advised them to communicate pressing needs clearly, acknowledging the influx of information and emotional toll. “It is normal to feel distress,” Chan messaged the group, encouraging victims to find suitable ways to cope while assuring them that tireless efforts were ongoing to provide support.
Meanwhile, ERROR’s 193 dedicated his evening to logistics, utilizing his personal vehicle to transport supplies between donation points and service centers. Posting late into the night, he confirmed that initial supplies had stabilized, noting that temporary centers were sufficiently stocked. 193 also shared his surprise and gratitude for the camaraderie observed: “I was emotionally touched seeing so many people united and helping out in the early hours, without prior coordination.”
He revealed a spontaneous encounter with a “very capable teammate” (likely another celebrity helper) at one of the transit points. 193 encouraged the public to continue assisting by helping at various centers, considering blood donation, and monitoring reliable social media updates. He also offered pragmatic advice for managing the crisis’s heavy emotional nature, recommending rest, listening to music, or connecting with friends.
The supportive actions extended to business owners as well. Oscar Siu Wai-chim, the husband of actress Elanne Kong, opened the Tai Po branch of his restaurant overnight. The eatery provided free food and beverages to the displaced residents and emergency workers, offering a safe, warm space during the initial hours following the fire.
The rapid mobilization of these public figures and ordinary citizens illustrates the strength of community solidarity in Hong Kong following a disaster. While local authorities and emergency services manage the immediate aftermath, including investigations into the fire’s cause, the sustained volunteer effort plays a critical role in alleviating the suffering of those suddenly rendered homeless. Residents affected by the tragedy are encouraged to seek emotional support services and consult official channels for the most current information regarding housing and assistance programs.
