(Hong Kong, 1st) As of Sunday (30th) 4pm, the 5-alarm fatal fire at Hong Fook Yuen in Hong Kong has claimed 146 lives, injured 79, with 54 bodies yet to be identified, and over 40 people still missing.
There are also 100 missing person cases that cannot be investigated due to reasons such as being unable to contact the reporter, the reporter unable to provide more information, the reporter clarifying that the person they are searching for is not residing at the location, or the reporter not having the exact address of the missing person.
The family member of one female victim posted on social media in the early hours of Monday (1st), stating that after losing contact with their relative for several days, they finally confirmed that her body was found at home. According to reports from survivors in the neighborhood, after being notified by her family of the fire, the woman did not immediately escape by herself, but instead knocked on neighbors' doors on her floor to alert others. This resulted in a missed opportunity to escape and she was forced to retreat back home, ultimately perishing in the fire.
The woman's selfless act saved the lives of four neighbors and a dog. Her family said: "I am filled with mixed feelings—sadness, grief—but I believe that, at that moment, she had no regrets about her decision."
The post received a strong response, with netizens leaving comments such as, "At the decisive moment, she bravely saved others," "She used her own life to save 5 others—this noble act is truly worthy of respect," "Thank you, Auntie, for sacrificing yourself to save others. So brave. Rest in peace," and extending condolences to her family.
More Animals Gradually Rescued
In addition to the casualties among people, many animals remain missing and their fates unknown. Even though it has been five days since the fire, hope remains as surviving animals continue to be rescued from the disaster site.
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals announced at midnight on Monday (1st) that 91 animals were rescued on the 30th, of which 73 survived, including 11 cats, 3 dogs, 48 fish, 2 mice, and 9 turtles. The SPCA said that many animals have already been picked up by their owners or relatives, while those without owners have been posted on social media for public notice.