TAI PO, HONG KONG—Bus services across Tai Po began a phased return to normalcy on Saturday following the partial reopening of crucial roadways that had been shut down for days following a serious blaze near Wang Fuk Court. The massive fire, previously classified as a No. 5 incident, had severely disrupted regional transport, but operators KMB and Long Win announced late Friday that most affected routes would resume their original alignments, alleviating commuter strain.
The initial round of road clearances centered on key sections connecting the Tolo Highway and Tai Po Road, specifically near Yuen Chau Tsai and the Kwong Fuk Estate roundabout. This enabled numerous northbound and Tai Po-bound bus routes to once again serve the highly utilized Kwong Fuk Estate station on Tai Po Road, Hsinchu direction. Routes traveling towards Sha Tin and urban areas, including KMB lines 72, 72A, 73A, and 74A, also reinstated stops along the stretch between Parc Versailles and Pine Garden Lookout.
However, full restoration remains pending as official investigations into the Wang Fuk Court fire site continue. Sections of Tai Po Road near Kwong Fuk Estate, specifically the slip road connection to Tolo Highway and Kwong Wang Street in both directions, remain sealed off to facilitate forensic work and clearance.
Continued Disruptions and Detours
The ongoing closures mandate the temporary suspension of several significant bus terminal areas, impacting dozens of routes critical to daily commuting in the New Territories.
The following stations remain temporarily out of service:
- Kwong Fuk Estate (Bus Stop): Affecting major lines including 72, 72A, 72X, 74X, 271, 272X, 307, A47X, and E41, among others.
- Kwong Fuk Market/Kwong Fuk Estate Commercial Centre and Wang Fuk Court: Impacting local feeder routes such as 71K, 73D, 73X, 75X, and 275X.
In response, route adjustments have been implemented to maintain connectivity. Route 73D is currently initiating service from the Pak Shek Kok Substation, while the K18 route operating through the area has its terminus temporarily relocated to Kwong Fuk Playground. Furthermore, due to ongoing diversions, the 74A line heading toward Kai Yip remains unable to stop at Uptown Plaza.
Bus operators KMB and Long Win are urging commuters to monitor real-time traffic announcements and plan their journeys with extra time allowance. In a joint statement, the companies pledged to continue working closely with authorities to provide the most viable services possible under the circumstances and committed to swiftly restoring all routes to normal schedules once the cordons are lifted. The phased reopening marks a significant step toward full recovery for the affected transport network following the emergency response. Commuters are advised to check the operators’ official websites for the most current service updates before setting out.
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