Tai Po fire: Asteroid named to honour fallen firefighter Ho Wai-ho

An asteroid discovered by a Hong Kong-born astronomer has been named after a firefighter who died battling an inferno at a housing complex in the financial hub that killed 168 people last year.

Ho Wai-ho, 37, died in the line of duty as the blaze engulfed several tower blocks at Wang Fuk Court in northern Hong Kong in November.

The minor planet, designated 34871, was discovered in 2001 by amateur astronomer William Yeung.

Ho “served with courage in fire and rescue operations, assisting in the evacuation of residents during emergencies”, read the citation records on the International Astronomical Union’s website.

Ho’s fiancee Kiki, whose surname is not known, said in a Tuesday social media post that the astronomer had shared the news with her.

“This asteroid may not be visible to the human eye, but the essence it represents is genuine and eternal,” she said Yeung had told her.

“Mr Ho Wai-ho’s name will remain forever in the solar system,” he had added.

Announcing the news, Kiki wrote: “Dearest 34871 Ho Wai-ho, as a star you will forever watch over us.”