Deadly Tai Po Inferno Claims 44 Lives, 279 Missing — Among Them, a Relative of Niall Horan
Tai Po, Hong Kong — Authorities have confirmed the identities of several victims involved in the catastrophic fire that swept through eight apartment buildings in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district late Friday night. In what is now being called one of the deadliest residential disasters in the region’s recent history, at least 44 people are confirmed dead and 279 others remain missing, as rescue teams continue to search the ruins of the charred structures.
Among the missing is a relative of international music star Niall Horan, a detail confirmed by a family spokesperson early Sunday morning. While the identity of the relative has not been publicly released at the family’s request, the confirmation has drawn international attention to a tragedy that has already left Hong Kong reeling.
A Fire That Spread With Frightening Speed
Residents described the first moments of the disaster
as chaotic and surreal. The fire is believed to have started around 11:42 p.m. in the lower levels of Block 3 of the Tai Po Riverside Complex, a densely populated cluster of high-rise apartments situated near the Lam Tsuen River. Within minutes, the blaze had spread to multiple adjoining buildings, aided by strong seasonal winds and the close proximity of the structures.
Witnesses reported seeing flames “shooting up the side of the building like a torch,” while others described thick black smoke pouring into hallways and stairwells, blocking escape routes within seconds.
“I opened my door and all I could see was smoke,” said one survivor, who declined to be identified. “The alarms were blaring, children were screaming, and people were running in every direction. We had no time. It felt like the whole building was collapsing around us.”
Authorities later confirmed that at least two stairwells became unusable within minutes, trapping dozens of residents on upper floors.
A Relentless Search Effort
More than 600 firefighters, paramedics, and emergency responders have been deployed across the eight buildings, many of which have sustained severe structural damage. Drone units, thermal imaging equipment, and search-and-rescue dogs have been brought in to locate survivors in pockets of debris that remain unstable.
As of Sunday morning, rescue workers said that they are still hearing faint sounds — tapping, distant coughing, and sporadic cries — from deep within the collapsed interiors of three of the buildings. These signs have kept hope alive for families who have been waiting in makeshift shelters nearby.
However, with temperatures expected to rise and parts of the tall structures at risk of complete collapse, officials have acknowledged that the rescue window is narrowing rapidly.
Niall Horan’s Family Releases a Statement
While global media coverage intensified following reports that a relative of singer-songwriter Niall Horan was among the missing, the Horan family has pleaded for privacy during the ongoing search.
In a brief statement provided by a spokesperson, the family said:
“We are devastated by the news currently unfolding in Hong Kong. Our family member was residing in the Tai Po district at the time of the fire, and we remain in close contact with local authorities. We ask the public and the media for space and sensitivity as we wait for updates.”
Niall Horan has not yet issued a personal statement, but sources close to the singer say he has been in direct communication with Hong Kong officials and is “deeply shaken” by the tragedy.
A Community United in Grief
Outside the complex, families have gathered for days, many holding photographs of loved ones or wearing masks to protect themselves from lingering smoke. Volunteers from across Hong Kong have set up tents distributing water, hot meals, blankets, and phone chargers. Several local businesses have donated supplies, and nonprofit organizations are assisting with temporary housing and trauma support.
Civic leaders and religious groups held a candlelight vigil Saturday night, attended by nearly 5,000 people, to honor the victims and express solidarity with the families still awaiting answers.
Choi Mei-Ling, whose daughter remains missing, said through tears:
“I don’t care about statistics or news updates. I just want her found. Every mother here wants the same thing.”
Investigators Search for Answers
Questions have already begun swirling regarding the cause of the fire and whether the buildings met modern fire-safety standards. Several residents claimed that emergency exits were blocked by stored items or construction materials, an allegation that fire officials say they are urgently reviewing.
Authorities have confirmed that an electrical fault is one possible cause, though they have not ruled out other scenarios, including negligence or faulty maintenance.
Hong Kong Chief Executive Lee Ka-Yan addressed the public Saturday morning:
“We will conduct a full, transparent investigation. Families deserve answers, and the people of Hong Kong deserve assurance that such a tragedy will never happen again.”
International Response
Messages of support have poured in from around the world as the scale of the disaster becomes clearer. Several governments have offered assistance, and neighboring regions have already sent specialized search teams.
Social media has been filled with tributes, fundraising efforts, and emotional messages from fans of Niall Horan. Many expressed solidarity not just with the singer but with the hundreds of families now trapped in uncertainty.
A Tragedy That Will Leave Lasting Scars
As the rescue mission continues, the people of Tai Po — and indeed all of Hong Kong — face a long road to recovery. The physical destruction left behind is immense, but the emotional wounds may take far longer to heal.
For now, the world watches with hope as rescuers push through the rubble, driven by the belief that survivors may still be found. And for the hundreds of families waiting for news, including the family of one of the world’s most recognizable performers, every passing moment carries both fear and fragile hope.
