Instead of the fireworks show that normally draws thousands of local and foreign tourists to the iconic spot every New Year's Eve, the Hong Kong Tourism Board organized a music and lights show. However, both locals and tourists were understanding of the decision, with some saying that having no fireworks did not influence their experience of Hong Kong. By Dec. 22, the Hong Kong Free Press reported the death toll from the blaze to have reached 161. At least one Filipino was among the fatality count, as confirmed by the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong. The apartment blaze is Hong Kong's most catastrophic fire since 1948.

Source: Philippine Star January 01, 2026 15:16 UTC