Chinese giants rush to pledge millions after Hong Kong’s deadliest fire since 1948 kills 55

Following a deadly residential fire in Hong Kong that left at least 55 people dead and hundreds missing, Chinese private firms have pledged tens of millions of dollars to support rescue and relief efforts.

Alibaba Group and its subsidiary Ant Group have jointly pledged HK$30 million to support firefighting efforts. Alibaba founder Jack Ma, one of the most well-known Chinese entrepreneurs, also pledged $30 million through his charitable foundation to provide immediate relief to those affected.

sportswear manufacturer antaThe company, which owns brands such as Jack Wolfskin and Fila, said it would donate HK$30 million in cash and equipment. Tencent Holdings, Xiaomi Company and ByteDance pledged HK$10 million to aid recovery efforts and support fire victims.

The wave of donations led President Xi Jinping to All-out efforts to reduce casualties and we brought together the relevant authorities and parties to provide the “necessary support”.

Chinese entrepreneurs have increased their philanthropic commitments in recent years. Heed Beijing’s call to implement social responsibility before profits, amid tight regulatory scrutiny of the private sector.

Xiaomi co-founder Lei Jun has donated more than 1.7 billion yuan ($240 million) since establishing his philanthropic foundation in 2019 supporting high-tech development and providing financial aid to students from low-income families.

Contributed by Meituan founder Wang Xing in 2021 shares Its value is approximately 2.3 billion dollars to the charitable foundation that supports education and scientific research. ByteDance’s Zhang Yiming also gave a gift part of his fortune to charitable causes.

Thursday’s fire is Hong Kong’s deadliest since 1948176 people died in a fire that broke out in a warehouse.

The latest fire also shook Wang Fuk Court, an eight-tower residential complex in northern Hong Kong that houses 4,600 people in 2,000 apartments, according to Reuters.

On Thursday morning, Reuters reported, citing authorities, that the fire had been brought under control in four of the seven affected blocks, almost a full day after the fire started. Fire crews continue their work to control the fire in other regions.

The fire may have started in part of the bamboo scaffolding surrounding the complex, then spread to other buildings via wooden poles and protective netting, prompting public scrutiny of the city’s housing standards, officials said.

Hong Kong police have flagged a “grossly negligent” construction company that used protective mesh covers and plastic and “highly flammable” foam material that did not meet fire standards. Three people from the construction company were arrested on suspicion of “intentional murder”.