HONG KONG — A sprawling corruption investigation has been launched by Hong Kong’s anti-graft agency following a devastating Category V fire in the Tai Po district residential estate of Wang Fuk Court, which claimed the lives of at least 94 individuals, including a 37-year-old firefighter who perished while on duty. The tragedy, which has plunged the city into collective mourning, has prompted intense scrutiny of the building’s recent large-scale renovation work.
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) confirmed today that it has established a dedicated task force to conduct a comprehensive probe into potential corruption linked to the massive maintenance project at Wang Fuk Court, citing significant public interest in the matter. This announcement follows an initial wave of arrests by police in connection with the disaster.
Today, the ICAC initiated its enforcement action by arresting two directors affiliated with Everbright Architects, the consultancy firm overseeing the maintenance project. In one dramatic instance just before noon, ICAC investigators escorted one of the male directors, clad in a white jacket and handcuffed, back to the firm’s Kowloon Bay offices to seize evidence. The search lasted approximately an hour, concluding around 1 p.m.
Public records identify the directors of Everbright Architects Limited as Ng Yuet and Wong Hap-yin.
Focus Shifts to Safety and Materials
This ICAC operation marks the second significant law enforcement action in two days. Yesterday, police arrested three executives—two directors and one consultant—from the construction company contracted for the renovation, on suspicion of manslaughter.
The catastrophe has revealed alarming safety lapses. During search and rescue operations, the Fire Services Department discovered that the temporary protective materials erected around the building—including external safety netting, waterproof tarpaulin, and plastic sheeting—may have failed to meet essential fire safety standards.
Furthermore, investigators noted a concerning finding in an adjacent, undamaged tower where foam insulation material had been used to seal windows in the common lift lobbies on every floor. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility that such flammable materials accelerated the fire’s rapid spread through the external scaffolding and into the residential units.
Police Investigate Manslaughter Charges
The Hong Kong Police Force’s New Territories North Regional Crime Unit is spearheading the manslaughter investigation against the construction firm executives, aged between 52 and 68. These arrests stem from allegations of gross negligence leading to major casualties.
The three men were taken to various locations for investigation and evidence collection, including the construction company’s office in San Po Kong, a village house in Ha Mei San Tsuen, Yuen Long, and a residential unit in Ma On Shan. One of the detainees, a 52-year-old director with the surname Ho, was apprehended at the Yuen Long location. The 68-year-old consultant, surnamed Wong, who was reportedly authorized to sign off on project details, was taken into custody in Ma On Shan. A third director, surnamed Hau, is also being held pending investigation.
Rescue Operations Conclude
Fire fighting operations at Wang Fuk Court are largely finished, though recovery and search efforts continued well into the morning.
Chen Qing-yong, Deputy Director of Operations for the Fire Services Department, reported early today that teams were working to breach and search all units across the seven affected towers. The operation, which involved forcing entry into apartments that had not yet been thoroughly examined, was expected to conclude by 9 a.m.
While the main blaze has been controlled, firefighters continue to address four specific units with active fire risks and are simultaneously cooling other units with water to prevent rekindling, prioritizing the search for any remaining trapped victims across the estate. The immediate focus now pivots from rescue to accountability, as two major law enforcement agencies tackle the negligence and potential criminal corruption that may have contributed to this devastating loss of life.
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