BENSONHURST — A vigil was held at Seth Low Park on Wednesday for the people who died in Hong Kong’s high-rise apartment blaze last month.
According to the Associated Press, the death toll rose to 159 as of Dec. 3. Authorities arrested six people on suspicion of deactivating some fire alarms during maintenance work at the housing complex.Locals, elected officials, police officers and community leaders gathered with signs, candles and led the gathering in prayer.
People attend the vigil for lives lost in the massive Hong Kong apartment fire. Photo courtesy of Councilmember Susan Zhuang’s office
“I interned in Hong Kong for half of a year,” said Councilmember Susan Zhuang, D-43. “I know many here with family still in Hong Kong. This horrific tragedy has captured international attention, but in my district, it feels personal. We are here in New York City, but all of us are with the families grieving in Hong Kong.”
The AP also reported that the housing complex consisted of eight buildings with almost 2,000 apartments housing about 4,800 residents, including many elderly people. It was built in the 1980s and had recently been undergoing a major renovation.
During the vigil, there was a prayer from Master Yan Ru and a group performance of “Under the Lion Mountain.”
A woman takes photos of the charred buildings after a deadly fire that started Wednesday at Wang Fuk Court, a residential estate in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong’s New Territories, Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. Photo: Ng Han Guan/AP
“Tonight, the theme was unity and resilience,” said Assembly District 47 Co-leader Larry He. “We demonstrated unity and Hong Kong demonstrated resilience. Hong Kong will not be weaker; it will only be stronger. That will also be the case for our community. Let’s work together to create a supportive environment for all of us to process grief, to share emotions, to find solace and form solidarity.”
Some of the groups that attended the event included United Chinese Association of Brooklyn, Chinese American Social Services, Chinese Sen. Council, Marks Edith Jewish Community House of Bensonhurst, Be Proud Inc. Representatives from the Brooklyn Borough President’s Office, State Sen. Sam Sutton’s Office, the Italian American Federation of Brooklyn, and NYPD.
People attend the vigil for lives lost in the massive Hong Kong apartment fire. Photo courtesy of Councilmember Susan Zhuang’s office
“Your 62 Precinct Community Affairs Officers attended a memorial vigil for the Wang Fuk Court fire in Hong Kong,” wrote the 62nd Precinct on X. “We offer our heartfelt prayers for the victims, their families and friends. We also express our sincerest gratitude for the fire, police and ambulance services.”
“In this tremendous tragedy, we stand in solidarity with the grieving people of Hong Kong,” said Assemblymember William Colton, D-47. “While we are thousands of miles away, we mourn with the victims who have been injured and those who have lost loved ones in the inferno which engulfed Wang Fuk Court.”
People attend the vigil for lives lost in the massive Hong Kong apartment fire. Photo courtesy of Councilmember Susan Zhuang’s office
He added, “This tragedy impacts many families here in the U.S. who came to this country seeking the American Dream, while leaving family members behind. The scope of the human loss is immense, but for each family whose loved ones perished, the pain is personal and devastating, and we share their sorrow.”
People attend the vigil for lives lost in the massive Hong Kong apartment fire. Photo courtesy of Councilmember Susan Zhuang’s office
SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.
ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.
