- Wens Foodstuff: HK$40 million
- Xtep Group: HK$20 million
- Fuguiniao Group: HK$5 million
- Xpeng: HK$5 million
- BYD: HK$10 million
- Geely: HK$10 million
- NetEase: HK$10 million
- Trip.com: HK$10 million
- Midea Group: HK$10 million
- Du Xiaoman: HK$10 million
- Lenovo: HK$10 million
- Be Friends Holdings: HK$1 million
The wave of philanthropy followed public remarks by President Xi Jinping, who urged “all-out efforts” to minimize casualties and directed relevant agencies to offer every necessary form of assistance. Chinese entrepreneurs have intensified charitable activities in recent years amid official calls to prioritize social responsibility over profit. Xiaomi co-founder Lei Jun, for instance, has donated more than 1.7 billion yuan (about US$240 million) through his foundation since 2019, and Meituan founder Wang Xing transferred shares worth roughly US$2.3 billion to a philanthropic trust in 2021. ByteDance’s Zhang Yiming has also allocated a portion of his fortune to public-interest projects.
Cause and scope of the blaze
Wang Fuk Court is an eight-tower public housing complex accommodating approximately 4,600 residents in 2,000 apartments. According to initial findings from Hong Kong’s Fire Services Department, the fire began on bamboo scaffolding that surrounded the buildings for renovation work. The flames then spread rapidly through wooden poles, protective mesh netting and plastic foam insulation.
Seven blocks were affected. By Thursday morning, authorities reported that flames in four of those structures had been contained nearly 24 hours after the first alarms sounded. Firefighters continued to combat smaller pockets of fire in the remaining areas while search teams moved through charred corridors looking for survivors.
Hong Kong police attributed the rapid propagation to allegedly substandard construction materials. Investigators said the scaffolding contractor used “highly inflammable” foam boards and plastic sheets that may not have met local fire-safety standards. Three employees of the construction firm were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, and additional inspections of renovation sites across the city have been ordered.
For background, bamboo scaffolding remains common in Hong Kong’s building sector because of its flexibility and cost efficiency. Nevertheless, industry guidelines require flame-retardant coverings. Detailed specifications are published by the Buildings Department of the Hong Kong government, which mandates regular checks during large-scale refurbishment projects.
Human toll and relief efforts
The confirmed death toll reached 55 on Thursday, with hospital officials warning that the number could rise as search operations progress. At least 120 people were treated for smoke inhalation, burns and other injuries. Hospitals have appealed for additional blood donations, and temporary shelters have been opened at two nearby schools to house displaced residents.
Government agencies have deployed emergency teams to distribute food, water and essential supplies. Volunteers coordinated by local charities are organizing meal deliveries and psychological counseling services. The Labour and Welfare Bureau said one-off payments will be granted to households that lost their homes or primary breadwinners.
Financial pledges announced so far exceed HK$300 million, providing immediate resources for medical treatment, temporary accommodation and structural assessments. Several donors stated that funds would also cover longer-term rebuilding, including fire-safety upgrades and the installation of modern sprinkler systems.
Broader implications
This incident has reignited debate over building safety standards in one of the world’s most densely populated urban areas. Legislators from multiple parties have called for a review of regulations governing renovation contracts, while community groups are pressing for stricter oversight of materials used on scaffolding. An inquiry commission, to be chaired by a High Court judge, is expected to open public hearings within weeks.
Meanwhile, corporate donors indicated that contributions may expand as damage assessments become clearer. Alibaba and Tencent both said their corporate foundations will monitor community needs and release additional funding if required. Industry observers note that large-scale corporate giving, once sporadic, has become more systematic since Beijing began emphasizing “common prosperity” goals in 2021.
As firefighters extinguish the remaining hotspots and investigators gather evidence, families continue to search for missing relatives, and local authorities face mounting pressure to ensure accountability and prevent a repeat of Hong Kong’s worst fire in nearly eight decades.
Crédito da imagem: Isaac Lawrence | Getty Images News | Getty Images
