The family of fallen firefighter Ho Wai-ho, who passed away in the No. 5 alarm fire at Wang Fuk Court, identified his body at Fu Shan Public Mortuary on Thursday.
They were accompanied by staff from the Fire Services Department's welfare unit and psychological service unit.
It is understood that the bodies of over 20 other victims from the fire have been transferred to the mortuary, while police are arranging for family members to complete the identification procedures.
The Director of Fire Services, Andy Yeung Yan-kin, expressed profound sadness at the passing of the heroic firefighter, who had served for nine years and was stationed at Shatin Fire Station as a member of the light rescue unit.
During the fire, he was combating the blaze on the ground floor of the building before losing contact at around 3.30pm.
Ho was found collapsed in an open area near Wang Fuk Court half an hour later, having sustained facial burns. He was rushed to Prince of Wales Hospital but passed away at 4.41pm.
Ho's friend posted an emotional tribute on social media, sharing a group photo taken when Ho graduated from the fire academy.
"Please remember the hero's face," the caption read. "We will not forget you. Thank you for sacrificing everything for us. Your last shift has ended. Rest in peace..."
Read more: Friends mourn firefighter killed in Tai Po five-alarm blaze
Over three thousand netizens have flooded Ho's social media page to pay tribute to the hero, leaving comments expressing gratitude for his sacrifice and condolences to his bereaved family.
