HONG KONG — Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu announced a comprehensive package of aid and regulatory reforms Thursday following a devastating five-alarm fire in Tai Po’s Wang Fuk Court residential complex that has claimed 55 lives.
Speaking at a press briefing at government headquarters, Mr. Lee confirmed the death toll had risen to 55 by mid-afternoon, with 50 fatalities occurring at the scene and four others succumbing to injuries after being hospitalized. The fire, which ignited Wednesday, remains partially active, though authorities stated that seven affected apartment blocks are now largely under control. Amid widespread grief, the government has swiftly pivoted to disaster relief, pledging HK$300 million (approximately US$38 million) for the victims and their families.
Immediate Relief and Long-Term Housing
The government is prioritizing the immediate housing and emotional support for the hundreds of displaced residents. Approximately 500 people are currently housed in temporary shelters.
Mr. Lee announced several critical measures:
- Financial Aid: An immediate payment of HK$10,000 will be distributed to every affected household.
- Wang Fuk Court Relief Fund: A dedicated fund has been established, seeded with the government’s HK$300 million injection. Public donations are being accepted starting Thursday evening through a Bank of China (Hong Kong) account (Account: 01287521901597).
- Temporary Accommodation: The Home Affairs Bureau has secured nearly 1,000 units from youth hostels and hotels—including locations like the Nanchang Hui Youth Hostel and the Gold Coast Hotel—to provide short-term housing for up to two weeks.
- Long-Term Relocation: For sustained accommodation, authorities have identified 1,800 units, comprising transitional housing and dedicated Housing Authority resettlement estates across various districts. These units are equipped with essential utilities.
The Social Welfare Department is coordinating deployment of social workers under a “one family, one social worker” initiative to provide crucial psychological support for residents experiencing what Mr. Lee described as “collective trauma.”
Investigative and Safety Mandates
The Chief Executive has established three working groups to manage the crisis response, investigation, and future regulatory changes:
- Emergency Support and Fundraising Working Group: Led by the Chief Secretary for Administration.
- Investigation and Regulation Working Group: Overseen by the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration.
- Emergency Accommodation Arrangement Working Group: Headed by the Deputy Financial Secretary.
“We must proceed based on facts and science regarding this tragedy,” Mr. Lee stated, noting that the police are already pursuing a criminal investigation into the incident. Authorities have reportedly arrested three individuals associated with the building’s maintenance project, focusing on possible negligence.
Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki confirmed that the investigative group will conduct a thorough probe into the cause of the deadly blaze. Concurrently, a citywide inspection campaign has been launched to eliminate safety hazards in ongoing large-scale maintenance projects.
Policy Shift to Enhanced Building Safety
The tragedy has prompted a significant review of construction safety materials, particularly scaffolding. Mr. Chan announced a long-term goal for the Development Bureau to collaborate with the industry on a roadmap for the full transition from traditional bamboo scaffolding to more fire-resistant metal scaffolding.
While acknowledging the historical flexibility and use of bamboo in Hong Kong, the government stressed the urgent need to enhance public safety due to its poor fire resistance. Authorities will provide training to assist construction workers during this transition period.
In the immediate term, the Buildings, Fire Services, and Architectural Services Departments have initiated joint inspections. All professional personnel and contractors involved in maintenance works at housing estates across the territory are required to re-examine all records and testing documents for scaffolding protection materials within seven days.
In deference to the victims, Mr. Lee announced the cancellation of all government-organized celebratory events and a reduction in officials’ participation in non-essential activities, confirming that a public memorial event will be organized later. Election activities have also been halted temporarily as the government focuses entirely on rescue and relief efforts.
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