Chinese companies rush to pledge millions for fire rescue as Hong Kong fire death toll rises to 55

Chinese private companies pledged hundreds of millions of dollars to support rescue and relief efforts after a deadly residential fire in Hong Kong killed at least 55 people and left hundreds missing.

Alibaba Group and its affiliate Ant Group together committed 30 million Hong Kong dollars to support fire relief efforts. Alibaba founder Jack Ma, one of the most recognizable Chinese entrepreneurs, also pledged $30 million through his charity foundation to provide emergency aid to those affected.

Sportswear manufacturer Antawhich owns brands such as Jack Wolfskin and Fila, said it would donate HK$30 million in cash and equipment. Tencent Holdings, Xiaomi Corp and ByteDance each pledged HK$10 million to aid rescue efforts and help victims of the fire.

The wave of donations came after comments from President Xi Jinping, who made the request All efforts to minimize casualties and mobilized relevant authorities and parties to provide “necessary support”.

Chinese entrepreneurs have increased their charitable commitments in recent years Heed Beijing’s call for social accountability Before profits, amid strict regulatory scrutiny of the private sector.

Xiaomi’s co-founder, Lei Jun, has donated more than 1.7 billion yuan ($240 million) since the inception of his philanthropic foundation. In 2019 To support state-of-the-art technology development and provide financial assistance to students from low-income families.

In 2021, Wang Xing, founder of Meituan, contributed share Valued at approximately $2.3 billion to his philanthropic foundation, which promotes education and scientific research. Zhang Yiming of ByteDance has also given parts of his fortune For charitable causes.

Thursday’s fire is Hong Kong’s deadliest Since 1948When 176 people died due to fire in the warehouse.

The latest fire broke out at Wang Fook Court, an eight-tower housing block in northern Hong Kong, housing 4,600 people in 2,000 apartments, according to Reuters.

On Thursday morning, Reuters cited authorities as reporting that four of the seven affected blocks had been brought under control about a day after the fire started. Firefighters were still working to contain the fire in the remaining areas.

Officials said the fire may have started in part of the bamboo scaffolding covering the complex, then spread through wooden pillars and protective netting to other buildings – prompting public scrutiny of the city’s housing standards.

Hong Kong police pointed to a “grossly negligent” construction company that used protective mesh sheets and plastic that did not meet fire standards and foam material that was “highly flammable.” Three men from a construction company have been arrested on suspicion of “manslaughter”.