HONG KONG — The Hong Kong government announced a robust relief mobilization Thursday following a catastrophic Category 5 fire at the Wang Fuk Court complex in Tai Po, which has claimed the lives of 55 people. As the massive fire, which erupted Wednesday, continued to challenge firefighting efforts through Thursday afternoon, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu detailed immediate and long-term aid measures, including a substantial commitment of financial support and a halt to all government celebratory events.
The death toll has tragically climbed to 55, with 50 individuals pronounced dead at the scene and four others succumbing to their injuries after being transported to hospitals. Five out of the seven affected building towers were reported to be largely under control, authorities said, while rescue operations remained active.
Addressing the media at the government headquarters, Mr. Lee outlined an extensive cross-departmental response plan designed to mitigate the tragedy’s impact and support the affected community.
Massive Financial and Housing Relief Launched
In a swift move to assist residents, the administration pledged HK$300 million ($38.3 million USD) to establish the Wang Fuk Court Relief Fund. The Bank of China (Hong Kong) has opened a dedicated account (Account No.: 01287521901597) to accept public donations starting Thursday evening.
Furthermore, Mr. Lee announced that every affected household would receive an immediate financial disbursement of HK$10,000 ($1,274 USD) beginning Thursday night.
Responding to the urgent need for shelter, the government confirmed that temporary accommodation has been secured for approximately 500 residents currently housed in emergency centers. Officials from the Home Affairs Bureau are coordinating the provision of nearly 1,000 short-term units—including spaces in youth hostels and hotels like the Gold Coast Hotel and Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel—to house residents for the next one to two weeks.
For long-term resettlement, authorities have identified around 1,800 fully equipped dedicated units in transitional housing and Housing Authority estates across multiple districts, including Tai Po, Kwai Tsing, and Sham Shui Po. These units, which include cooking facilities and utilities, are intended to provide stable accommodation for residents based on their needs, such as proximity to work or school.
Focus Shifts to Investigation and Safety Audits
The Chief Executive confirmed the formation of three working groups to oversee the investigation, enhance safety measures, and manage the extensive relief effort. The police are investigating the origins of the fire, including whether any criminal negligence contributed to the scale of the disaster—a question raised by reporters over prior complaints concerning maintenance work at the site.
Mr. Lee stressed the immediate need for comprehensive safety inspections across all large-scale building maintenance projects citywide, focusing particularly on the safety of scaffolding and construction materials.
In recognition of the collective trauma stemming from the event, the government is mobilizing social workers to provide psychological support, implementing a “one social worker per family” initiative. Requests for assistance from the central government, including specialized equipment like drones for site surveying, are being channeled through the State Council’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office.
The government also announced the cancellation of all celebratory events and a reduction in non-essential official activities, signaling a period of collective mourning. An official memorial event will be organized.
Mr. Lee concluded his remarks by extending deep appreciation to all rescue personnel, particularly the Fire Services Department, who have worked tirelessly since the tragedy began. He reaffirmed the commitment to deploy all necessary resources to support the ongoing recovery and investigation efforts. The focus, he underscored, remains singularly on disaster relief before any consideration of political matters, such as pending elections.
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