HONG KONG — Hong Kong authorities today announced substantial financial aid and housing for thousands displaced by an ongoing, massive five-alarm fire that has so far claimed 55 lives in the Tai Po district. The devastating blaze at the Wang Fuk Court housing estate, which ignited on Wednesday, forced the government to declare a period of mourning, suspend public celebrations, and launch a $38 million relief fund for victims and their families.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-Chiu, addressing the press this afternoon after visiting the site, confirmed that while the inferno was largely under control in seven affected blocks, rescue efforts continued, and the official death toll had tragically risen to 55 by 3 p.m. local time on Thursday. Fifty victims died at the scene, with four others succumbing to their injuries after hospitalization. Lee prioritized the relief effort, confirming the official cancelation of government-organized celebratory events and a reduction in non-essential official engagements.
Emergency Response and Financial Relief
In an immediate response to the catastrophe, a comprehensive relief package was unveiled. The government has established the Wang Fuk Court Relief Fund (WFC-RF), seeding it with HK$300 million (approximately US$38 million) in seed money. The Bank of China (Hong Kong) has opened dedicated accounts to accept public donations for the fund, with collection beginning at 7 p.m. tonight.
Furthermore, Mr. Lee announced that every affected household would immediately receive a cash payment of HK$10,000 to cover urgent needs.
The government is also coordinating a massive interdepartmental effort to house the estimated 500 residents currently staying in temporary shelters. Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong Wai-lun confirmed that approximately 1,800 housing units have been secured for both immediate and long-term residency.
For short-term displacement, the Housing Bureau has secured nearly 1,000 units from a combination of youth hostels and commercial hotels, including luxury properties like the Gold Coast Hotel and The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel Hong Kong, to provide accommodations for one to two weeks. Longer-term housing solutions will involve 1,800 units, mainly converted transitional housing and dedicated rehousing estates managed by the Housing Society, located across multiple districts, ensuring affected residents have flexibility based on work and schooling needs.
Investigations Launched as Officials Address Scrutiny
Amid the immediate crisis, the Chief Executive confirmed that three distinct task forces have been formed to address the fallout, including a criminal investigation led by the police. The severity of the fire, which spanned residential towers, has prompted significant scrutiny, particularly regarding potential safety violations and prior compliance failures at the site.
In response to sharp journalistic questioning about possible prior warnings regarding the site—and whether negligence contributed to the outcome—Mr. Lee stressed that investigations would be evidence-based and scientific. He noted that the government’s immediate priority remains the rescue operation, and any discussions surrounding the upcoming Legislative Council elections would be contingent on the completion of initial disaster relief efforts.
Lee also publicly offered his profound gratitude to the entire civil service, particularly the Fire Services Department, after a reporter questioned whether his initial remarks adequately acknowledged their efforts. “I appreciate every person involved in the rescue efforts,” Lee stated, emphasizing that all resources would be deployed to support the fire services personnel who have been working relentlessly.
Public Mobilization and Future Oversight
The government is concurrently setting up an online platform to coordinate public donations of resources, intending to streamline the distribution of supplies to those in need. In the interim, groups and individuals wishing to donate materials can register their offers via a dedicated WhatsApp hotline (92132388).
The horrific extent of the fire, which is believed to have spread rapidly due to construction materials or scaffolding during ongoing maintenance work, has prompted an immediate city-wide safety inspection campaign. Mr. Lee concluded by announcing that authorities would immediately begin inspections of large maintenance projects throughout Hong Kong to review the safety of scaffolding and building materials, seeking to prevent a recurrence of this collective tragedy. Emotional support is also being mobilized, with plans to assign “one social worker per family” to provide counseling to the traumatized residents.
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