Chinese giants mobilize and donate tens of millions after the devastating fire in Hong Kong, resulting in a large number of victims

The large private companies in China have announced donations of tens of millions of dollars to support rescue operations and help families affected by the devastating fire in Hong Kong, which killed at least 80 people and left hundreds of tenants missing, reports News.ro quoting CNBC.

• The last toll of the fire indicated 83 dead and 58 injured, most of them in serious condition. However, it is expected that the number of victims will increase even more, given that the authorities previously mentioned that almost 300 people are being sought by rescuers.

Alibaba Group and Ant Group have jointly pledged HK$30 million (Hong Kong dollars – HKD) for relief efforts, while Alibaba founder Jack Ma has personally provided another HK$30 million through his foundation.

Sports equipment manufacturer Anta, owner of the Jack Wolfskin and Fila brands, announced a similar donation of HK$30 million in cash and equipment.

Tencent, Xiaomi and ByteDance each contributed HK$10 million in a swift mobilization inspired by President Xi Jinping's call for “all-out efforts” by authorities to reduce casualties and support survivors.

In recent years, Chinese businessmen have stepped up their donations to respond to Beijing's pressure to put social responsibility ahead of profit.

The worst fire in the last eight decades

The tragedy is the worst fire in Hong Kong since 1948, when a warehouse caught fire and caused 176 deaths. The flames engulfed the Wang Fuk Court residential complex, consisting of eight towers and over 4,600 residents, and were brought under control only after almost a day.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire would have broken out on the bamboo scaffolding that surrounded the building and would have spread quickly through the protective nets and flammable materials used.

Police have accused a construction company of “gross negligence” and arrested three employees on suspicion of “manslaughter” after it was found that materials that did not comply with fire safety standards were used.

Authorities continue to search in still inaccessible areas as public pressure mounts on the city's housing safety standards.