HONG KONG – A major fire that consumed a high-rise residential building in Tai Po has prompted a significant shift in a long-running charity fundraising event scheduled for broadcast this weekend. The blaze at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex, which burned for over 43 hours before being largely extinguished on Friday morning, resulted in a catastrophic loss of life and severe injuries, underscoring the urgent need for community support.
The inferno, which was classified as a level five incident—the most severe in Hong Kong’s scale—claimed at least 128 lives, with 11 individuals critically injured. Furthermore, over one hundred other residents remain unaccounted for, and identification efforts for some remains are ongoing due to the intensity of the damage.
In response to the tragedy, Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB) announced a transformation of its annual fundraising gala. Originally titled “Tung Wah Charity Show,” the event, set for Saturday evening, has been renamed “Tung Wah Benevolent Heart” to directly reflect the focus on disaster relief. The broadcaster also confirmed that media access for coverage of the event has been restricted.
A representative for TVB stated that all proceeds collected during the evening would be entirely earmarked for victims and families affected by the catastrophic fire. Funds will be channeled to assist those impacted through multiple platforms, including dedicated donation hotlines, bank accounts established for the relief effort, and QR code digital donation options. This immediate redirection of charitable resources aims to provide essential financial and material aid to help surviving families navigate the immediate aftermath of the disaster.
The scale of the devastation at Wang Fuk Court necessitates a concerted relief effort. Fire services personnel battled the highly complex structural fire for nearly two full days, highlighting the intense spread and entrapment issues within the residential tower. Investigators are currently probing the exact cause of the blaze, focusing on structural integrity, fire safety compliance, and potential points of ignition within the aged complex.
In addition to official government aid, non-governmental organizations and community groups are mobilizing to address the multifaceted needs of the survivors, who face displacement, medical costs, and the profound emotional toll of losing loved ones and possessions. The shift in TVB’s telethon underlines the role of major public institutions in providing rapid, tangible support during city-wide crises.
The television event is slated to serve as a consolidated platform for millions of residents across Hong Kong to contribute directly to the recovery effort. The funds are expected to cover immediate necessities like temporary housing, funeral expenses, and psychological support services for those grappling with loss and trauma. As the community begins the challenging process of recovery, the immediate financial assistance facilitated by the revised telethon is deemed critical for the affected families.