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HONG KONG, April 4 — Candidates vying for the Legislative Council seat representing the shipping and transport sector faced off today in a government-hosted forum, debating Hong Kong’s economic pillars, infrastructure challenges, and professional preparedness for large-scale crises. The forum, titled “Cohesion of Care,” featured Fung Kai-pui, Director of China Affairs at the Hong Kong Shipowners Association, and Lam Ming-fung, Chairman and General Manager of Hong Kong Ming Wah Shipping under China Merchants Group. The session began with a minute of collective silence, and the customary candidate cheerleading segment was canceled.

During his platform introduction, Fung Kai-pui warned that the city’s logistics, transport, and shipping industries faced acute challenges, describing the current situation as being “in dire straits.” He asserted that while Hong Kong retains inherent strengths in aviation, shipping, logistics, and cargo handling, realizing their potential requires comprehensive policy, clear strategic alignment, and robust execution.

A Call for New Port Authority and Digitalization

Fung’s core proposal centered on establishing a dedicated Shipping and Port Authority to guide the sector’s long-term development. He advocated for accelerating the digitalization of port operations, constructing “green smart ports,” maximizing the capacity of the new three-runway system at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), and strengthening connectivity with mainland China’s southwestern regions to attract greater cargo volume. Furthermore, he promised to streamline cross-border customs procedures, crack down on illegal ride-sharing operations (“white-plate taxis”), and promote the green transition, including rapidly expanding charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.

Lam Ming-fung, who has nearly 30 years invested in the transport industry, framed the sector as the crucial bridge connecting Hong Kong to the world and essential to the city’s economic lifeblood. He emphasized leveraging his international insight and professional experience to foster growth. Lam proposed boosting Hong Kong’s overall economic momentum as a prerequisite for sectoral success. Key planks of his platform included cultivating professional talent, promoting ecological sustainability, optimizing policy to facilitate road traffic, and bolstering HKIA’s international competitiveness.

Industry’s Role in Crisis Response

The candidates were challenged regarding the transport sector’s role in assisting residents during major disasters, such as the recent devastating fire in Tai Po.

Fung Kai-pui highlighted the industry’s swift cooperation during the emergency response. He detailed how the sector, in coordination with MTR and bus companies, established “green channels” for relief efforts, adjusted 12 bus routes, launched dedicated shuttle services to shelter centers, and extended service hours. He noted cross-border enterprises facilitated transportation for affected residents to visit family and ensured point-to-point accessible transport for the elderly, disabled, and schoolchildren. Additionally, logistics companies and terminal operators established temporary distribution hubs at ports, expedited the customs clearance of relief supplies from the mainland, and used digital platforms to disseminate real-time information across various transit apps and social media.

Lam Ming-fung stressed that the transport sector, encompassing air, sea, and land logistics, provides vital grassroots services. If elected, he committed to working with the government and the industry to provide comprehensive support—spanning daily necessities, accommodation, and particularly transport convenience—to aid post-disaster resettlement and reconstruction efforts. He concluded that the industry’s resilience transforms its physical infrastructure into a supportive social network, ensuring continuity of services and providing human-centric aid.

Systemic Reform and Public Safety

Addressing how they would support the Chief Executive’s mandate for systemic reform following the fire—specifically concerning construction safety, maintenance, procurement, corruption, and fire system supervision—candidates outlined measures to prevent future tragedies.

Lam Ming-fung expressed support for the Chief Executive establishing an independent committee. He pledged to use legislative procedures to elevate public safety regulations to a higher legal status and focus on rebuilding public trust in urban safety. His related proposals included enhancing fire facilities and escape routes in older buildings, promoting community disaster preparedness, and integrating technology to improve municipal governance.

Fung Kai-pui focused on institutionalizing rapid mobilization, cross-boundary coordination, and technological application. He advocated for making temporary “green channels” and route adjustments permanent emergency protocols. Furthermore, he proposed deepening collaborative rescue efforts with Guangdong province and other Greater Bay Area cities, establishing integrated sea-air-land rescue corridors centered around HKIA and major ports, ensuring that scattered resources are organized for readiness, use during crises, and post-event evaluation.

HONG KONG, April 4 — A maintenance worker suffered facial burns this morning after an electrical meter room at a primary school in the Wan Chai district caught fire. Emergency services swiftly responded to the institution, located at 169 Thomson Road, and extinguished the small blaze. The incident occurred shortly after 10 a.m., according to police reports.

The worker was reportedly inside the electrical meter room conducting maintenance when smoke began emanating from the compartment. Firefighters arrived on the scene and brought the fire under control by 10:26 a.m. The injured staff member remained conscious and was transported by ambulance to Ruttonjee Hospital for treatment of the facial injuries.

While the fire was contained quickly and no other injuries were reported among students or faculty, the incident highlighted safety concerns regarding electrical infrastructure in busy urban school environments. Police initiated an investigation into the precise cause of the malfunction.

Following the incident, officials from Hong Kong Electric, the territory’s power provider, were dispatched to the school to assess the damage and inspect the electrical installation. Authorities have not yet determined what sparked the fire, but initial speculation focuses on an electrical fault within the metering apparatus or adjacent wiring.

Safety Protocols Under Scrutiny

School administrators nationwide are often tasked with ensuring the integrity of critical infrastructure, including electrical systems that power everything from lighting to essential learning technology. Electrical fires, while less common than other types of structural incidents, pose significant risks due to the potential for rapid spread and severe damage.

Experts routinely emphasize the importance of regular, certified inspections of high-voltage and load-bearing electrical units. According to guidelines issued by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD), mandatory periodic inspections are required for certain fixed electrical installations.

• Routine Maintenance: Ensure electrical rooms are clear of combustible materials.
• Certified Inspection: Only qualified electricians should conduct maintenance or repair work on meter rooms.
• Emergency Access: Maintain clear pathways and ensure fire suppression equipment is readily available.

The Wan Chai District Police confirmed the matter is being treated as a fire incident. The extent of the damage to the school’s electrical supply infrastructure remains under assessment by Hong Kong Electric engineers. The prompt response by fire services prevented the situation from escalating, which could have led to greater disruption at the school.

Authorities are expected to examine logs relating to the meter room’s maintenance history and the operational status of the installed fire safety system as part of their inquiry. The full findings of the investigation into the cause of the electrical fire and subsequent injury are pending.

HONG KONG — Major banking institutions in Hong Kong have implemented swift protective measures following reports that individuals attempted to fraudulently exploit post-disaster aid by changing their recorded residential addresses to the affected Tsz Wan Shan public housing estate, Fu Hong Court, after a devastating Category 5 fire on Nov. 26. The alleged scam, which surfaced on social media only two days after the blaze, prompted banking giants to actively block or flag applications listing the fire-damaged estate as a current mailing address, highlighting the challenge of balancing rapid humanitarian aid with fraud prevention.

The disturbing trend was first brought to light on Nov. 28 when screenshots of private chats circulated on platforms like Threads. Messages from an alleged bank employee indicated a sudden “huge surge” of people visiting bank counters and using online portals to specifically change their correspondence addresses to Fu Hong Court, raising strong suspicion that these individuals were posing as fire victims to access government or community financial assistance allocated to genuine residents.

Financial Sector Clamps Down to Prevent Fraud

Under standard procedures, changing a mailing address with a bank often requires minimal verification, sometimes needing only an in-person request or an update via an online platform. This lack of initial proof of residence appears to have been the loophole targeted by the alleged fraudsters seeking to secure documentation, possibly a bank statement, that could serve as “proof of address” to improperly claim relief funds.

In response to immediate public outcry and internal alerts, key players in Hong Kong’s financial sector quickly mobilized:

• HSBC confirmed it would not accept any applications to change a client’s address to Fu Hong Court, explicitly citing the need to prevent the abuse of the resident support scheme.
• Bank of China (Hong Kong) stated it would “carefully assess and strictly handle” all address change requests citing the estate.
• Bank of East Asia announced it would exercise heightened caution and refer any suspicious cases related to the estate to the police for investigation.

Insurance companies are also operating under similar vigilance, with industry insiders reporting special alerts issued to flag any new policy or claims inquiries tied to the fire-hit location.

Community Condemns Exploitation of Tragedy

The reports of attempted fraud struck a profound nerve among the community, which has otherwise rallied in a massive show of support for the genuine victims of the serious fire. Social media users widely condemned the actions as “profiting from tragedy” and called for severe penalties for those attempting to divert aid intended for the displaced residents who lost their homes and possessions.

While banking professionals asserted that internal compliance departments are actively monitoring and tracking accounts that made recent address changes to the estate, the incident underscores a persistent weakness in aid distribution mechanisms. Authorities and relief organizations often rely on standard documentation, such as utility bills or bank correspondence, to establish residency for aid eligibility.

Next Steps for Aid Integrity

The prompt action by the financial institutions has likely curtailed widespread abuse, but the incident serves as a critical warning. For future disaster relief efforts, authorities must ensure that applicant verification processes are robust enough to certify status as a “true Fu Hong resident” without causing undue delay for those desperately needing help. As the community continues to mourn and provide support for the victims, the focus remains on ensuring that aid reaches those who endured the devastating loss. Law enforcement is expected to follow up on the cases flagged by the banks to deter similar exploitation during times of crisis.

HONG KONG—The death toll from the catastrophic five-alarm fire at Tai Po’s Hong Fu Court housing estate has climbed to 159, with authorities confirming 21 arrests linked to construction and safety deficiencies as the investigation turns toward potential manslaughter charges. As of Wednesday, December 3, 2025, police confirmed the fatalities include one heroic firefighter, while 31 residents remain unaccounted for, underscoring the scale of one of the city’s worst residential tragedies.

The devastating blaze, which has destroyed seven of the estate’s eight buildings, has triggered a sprawling criminal investigation focusing on allegations of fatal negligence during ongoing large-scale renovation work.

Fifteen individuals—representing the main contractor, engineering consultants, and two subcontractors involved in scaffolding and external wall works—have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. A separate group of six people associated with a fire safety installation contractor were also detained for allegedly providing false statements to the Fire Services Department, specifically claiming fire alarms would remain operational during the renovation process. The arrests signal a concerted effort by law enforcement to hold construction industry figures accountable for lapses that may have contributed to the massive loss of life.

Grim Search Continues Amid Structural Ruin

The arduous process of identifying the victims moved forward this week, though the sheer destruction has complicated recovery efforts. Police reported that 140 bodies have been formally identified, ranging in age from one to 97, including 49 males and 91 females. The victims confirmed so far include a firefighter, 10 domestic helpers, and five on-site workers.

The disaster victim identification unit (DVIU) has completed its initial search of 7 buildings, where conditions inside were described as hazardous, with some core structural walls reduced to bare steel rebar. The majority of the deceased were recovered from Wang Cheong Court (70 people) and Wang Tai Court (82 people), the two towers most severely impacted by the fire.

Police Chief Commissioner Andy Chow stated Thursday that the immediate next step involves a search of the exterior perimeter, focusing on whether bodies may have been crushed beneath collapsed scaffolding. Forensic experts are also examining suspicious bone fragments found in several units to determine if they are human remains, necessitating potential DNA matching with anxious families.

False Documents and Political Fallout

The wider implications of the Hong Fu Court disaster are spreading, prompting immediate government action regarding construction safety across the territory. Security Secretary Chris Tsang revealed that two unrelated public housing repair projects elsewhere in the city had secured work permits using allegedly fraudulent certification regarding fire-retardant mesh for scaffolding. The revelation prompted Development Secretary Ning Hon-ho to immediately order the removal of scaffolding mesh from all buildings currently undergoing major renovation projects by the end of Saturday.

In a separate development, National Security Police arrested a 26-year-old YouTuber, identified as “Kenny,” for “committing an act with seditious intention.” The man is accused of publishing content online that allegedly incited hatred and defamed the victims and their families.

Meanwhile, the Hong Kong community continues to rally around the displaced, with one small glimmer of hope emerging for those who lived in Wing Chi Court, the only tower spared by the flames. Residents were permitted brief, supervised access to their apartments to retrieve essential documents and personal belongings.

Authorities have set up the Hong Fu Court Aid Fund, seeded with HK$300 million by the government, to provide essential financial assistance to those impacted by the tragedy. The profound emotional toll was captured by a widely circulated photograph showing one elderly resident, known as “Uncle Wong,” weeping openly at the site, a poignant reminder of the human cost of the inferno.

Resources for the Public

Victim Information Hotline: 1878999
Police Tip-off Lines (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.): 5337 6671 to 5337 6681
Hong Fu Court Aid Fund Donations: Bank of China (Hong Kong) (Details available on government website)

HONG KONG — For six intense weeks beginning in March, Dr. Ben Wu, a veteran anesthetist and medical officer with the Hong Kong Red Cross, navigated the perilous reality of a field hospital in Gaza, offering critical medical care amid relentless conflict. Dr. Wu, who holds dual specialties in emergency medicine and anesthesiology, recounted an environment defined by constant shelling, acute resource scarcity, and the harrowing scenes of severely injured civilians, particularly women and children. His deployment underscores the extreme challenges faced by international aid workers in active war zones and highlights the difficult ethical decisions essential medicine demands under fire.

Dr. Wu’s journey into humanitarian aid began in 2006, leading him to crisis zones including Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, and South Sudan. However, the mission to Gaza this spring presented unparalleled danger.

“I prefer places that are most urgent and least visited,” Dr. Wu stated, describing his motivation.

The initial days of his mission coincided with a brief ceasefire, offering a deceptive calm. This fragile peace quickly shattered, replaced by the continuous roar of explosions. The influx of patients—many with severe blast injuries and amputations—was immediate and overwhelming.

Operation Under Siege

The medical team quickly adapted to the extreme security threat. The operating theater was fortified, with sandbags stacked three deep on three sides of the surgical tent, and a repurposed shipping container served as a designated safe room against potential armed assaults. Dr. Wu described the surgical environment as a grim race against time, often working while listening to nearby gunfire.

“Walking out might be more risky,” he noted, explaining the necessity of maintaining focus during complex procedures despite the surrounding chaos.

One deeply scarring memory involved a teenage girl whose face was lacerated by flying shrapnel, causing her to lose several fingers. Dr. Wu lamented that such severe trauma should never be inflicted upon a child.

The Impossible Choice of Scarcity

The sheer volume of casualties quickly exhausted the already meager medical supplies. Dr. Wu faced agonizing triage decisions, particularly concerning blood transfusions.

“We sometimes only had ten units of blood available,” he explained. “A critically bleeding patient might need all ten units to survive. But that same amount could save five less severely injured people. Who do you choose to save?”

He acknowledged the brutal calculus of limited resources, where saving every patient is often impossible. In cases where the severity of injuries and the collapse of the local health system rendered survival unlikely, the team shifted its focus to palliative care, ensuring patients could pass away with dignity and respect, often administering high doses of morphine after appropriate farewells with family.

Finding Moments of Humanity

The relentless pressure demanded extreme mental resilience. Dr. Wu and his colleagues were confined to the short stretch of road between their accommodation and the hospital—a zone he described as a large “prison” constantly monitored by drones. Yet, he emphasized the importance of finding small pockets of solace.

“Powerful psychological strength and a sense of humor are key,” he said. He described the startling beauty of Gazan sunrises and sunsets, and the fleeting warmth of seeing patients share their scarce food with stray cats.

When back in Hong Kong, Dr. Wu remains committed to urgent local crises. He immediately utilized his field experience to assist victims displaced by a recent five-alarm fire in Tai Po, helping set up a temporary clinic to provide essential prescriptions for chronic patients who could not access their medications.

Championing Humanitarian Anesthesiology

Dr. Wu’s commitment led him to pursue anesthesiology later in his career, despite already holding emergency specialist credentials. He recognized that complex battlefield injuries required advanced surgical support.

“The greater the capability, the more you can achieve,” he asserted, highlighting that anesthetists play a vital, often-unseen role in determining outcomes during major trauma surgery. He champions the use of regional anesthesia, which requires fewer resources and is safer when faced with intermittent power outages common in deprived areas.

Dr. Wu hopes his experience will inspire more young doctors, especially those in less visible specialties like anesthesiology, to join humanitarian efforts. He cautions that true aid work demands not just technical skill but a deep understanding of the local culture and the geopolitical context fueling the conflict.

“Rescue is a cumulative process of experience,” Dr. Wu concluded, affirming his intent to continue deploying wherever the need is most dire. “If no one else is going to treat them, then I will go.”

HONG KONG, September 18 – Devastating footage has emerged revealing the final, frantic attempts of construction workers to escape a catastrophic fire last week at the Tai Po apartment complex, Kwong Fuk Court, a tragedy that claimed at least 159 lives. Newly released amateur videos, filmed by one of the victims, show corridors instantly engulfed in thick, black smoke, documenting the horrifying speed with which the structure became a death trap for five maintenance crew members caught inside.

The five victims—three women and two men, aged between 46 and 75—were contracted workers focused on exterior tiling repairs when the inferno erupted. The victims include a female worker identified only by her surname, Lau, who captured the harrowing seconds before the smoke overcame them.

Videos Document Rapid Corridor Collapse

Two extremely short video clips, measuring just two and six seconds, paint a chilling picture of the disaster’s rapid progression. The two-second clip fixates on a window on the 31st floor hallway, where smoke is seen surging inward like a tide, instantly plunging the area into near-darkness. At least three workers are visibly present, their expressions etched with alarm as they realize the gravity of the situation.

The six-second clip captures auditory despair. A female voice, later identified as Ms. Lau, trembles as she urgently cries out, “Oh my God! It’s really a fire! Hurry and leave! We have to take the stairs!” In a moment of tragic denial, a male colleague responds briefly, “No need.”

Sources indicate Ms. Lau quickly sent these clips to her son, marking what would be their final communication. The footage serves as irrefutable evidence of the speed and intensity of the fire, transforming the apartment block’s exit routes into virtually impassable “death channels” within seconds.

Fire Spreads from Exterior Scaffolding

Investigators suggest the five crew members were working on the 10th-floor exterior, laying mosaic tiles outside the building, when the fire began. According to initial reports, they observed flames suddenly leap toward their work area, immediately igniting the protective netting and scaffolding surrounding the building.

The workers initially attempted to suppress the blaze, but the flames spread with unimaginable swiftness. Realizing the impossibility of battling the inferno, they frantically retreated back into the indoor corridor to alert and evacuate other technicians.

However, once inside, they found the building already thick with smoke. Visibility was zero, and the toxic fumes rapidly incapacitated them. Trapped and unable to find a clear path to safety, all five workers were later confirmed deceased.

Broader Safety Concerns for High-Rise Maintenance

The tragedy at Kwong Fuk Court, exacerbated by the rapid combustion of external materials, raises urgent questions about fire safety protocols for large-scale maintenance projects in dense urban environments like Hong Kong. High-rise construction and maintenance often rely on extensive nylon netting and other flammable scaffolding materials that can act as vertical fuel conduits when a fire breaks out.

Safety experts are calling for immediate reviews of materials used in external maintenance work, particularly in occupied residential buildings. The five victims, focused simply on their daily tasks, are a stark reminder of the devastating consequences when structural fire safety mechanisms fail or when highly flammable components are introduced near active residences. Authorities are continuing to investigate the exact cause of the initial blaze but the emerging footage underscores the critical need for foolproof emergency evacuation plans and non-combustible construction materials in vulnerable high-rise environments.

Hong Kong legislative candidates are grappling with how to manage Kwun Tong Promenade, a popular waterfront area known locally as “Kwun Bin,” which has become a magnet for Gen Z residents but also faces concerns about escalating disorderly conduct. The discussion highlights a broader struggle between fostering vibrant public spaces and maintaining stringent regulation in the city.

The promenade, situated in the Kowloon East constituency, has transformed in recent years into a significant social focal point, particularly during holidays and festivals. However, this increased activity has prompted some observers to label the location a potential “hotbed of vice.”

Balancing Vitality and Oversight

Several candidates running for the Kowloon East direct election seat agree that the promenade’s popularity is a sign of successful urban revitalization but stress the need for strategic management.

Tang Ka-piu, a former lawmaker, underscored the positive development of attracting younger generations. He recounted his own site visit, humorously noting his inability to find the alleged “free hug/free kiss” activities rumored online, speculating his presence might have deterred them. Mr. Tang praised the location for hosting civic events and independent band performances, calling it a genuine public asset for Hong Kong citizens.

Fellow candidate Frankie Ngan Man-yu, a former member of the Harbourfront Commission, echoed the sentiment that the promenade’s high profile is beneficial, provided robust measures are taken to prevent it from becoming a “crime paradise.” He emphasized that appropriate supervision is non-negotiable for a shared public space.

Enhancing Access and Engaging Youth

Candidates offered varied proposals for proactive engagement rather than relying solely on police intervention. Pang Pui-kong suggested the government better utilize Kwun Bin by increasing public programming and enhancing transportation links to improve accessibility for all citizens.

The issue of heavy-handed policing was raised by Chan Chun-hung, who explicitly warned that police involvement could alienate young people drawn to the spot’s relatively free-spirited environment. He advocated for government agencies or non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to step in and organize diverse activities as a gentler alternative to direct enforcement.

Bonnie Leung Sze-wan, who visited the promenade on Valentine’s Day, saw the concentration of young people as a critical opportunity for outreach. She stressed the necessity of utilizing the gatherings to promote healthy behaviors, specifically campaigning against smoking and the use of the synthetic drug etomidate, ensuring the waterfront’s sustained positive development.

These discussions underscore a common dilemma facing urban planners globally: how to harness the dynamic energy of youth culture in public spaces while mitigating social concerns without stifling the very vitality that makes the space appealing. The future of Kwun Tong Promenade appears to hinge on striking this delicate balance, finding a pathway that prioritizes both public safety and proactive youth engagement. The elected representatives will face immediate pressure to implement viable solutions that appease local concerns while preserving Kwun Bin’s status as a successful example of harbor area transformation.

COPENHAGEN — The catastrophic five-alarm fire that claimed over a hundred lives at Tai Po’s Wang Fu Court apartment complex has cast a long shadow over the international facilities management sector, focusing intense attention on Danish giant ISS. The company, traded as ISS.CO, confirmed Tuesday that its Hong Kong subsidiary, ISS EastPointProperties Limited (ISSEPPL), served as the management agent for the residential estate, though it vehemently denied involvement in critical areas now central to the disaster inquiry, including cladding installation, maintenance contracting, and fire suppression system oversight. The market reacted swiftly, sending ISS shares plunging nearly 8%, making it one of the steepest declines on the pan-European STOXX 600 index that day.

ISS issued a formal statement in Copenhagen clarifying ISSEPPL’s administrative role at Wang Fu Court. The subsidiary operated under a mandate to provide support for the Owners’ Corporation, handling routine management duties like security and general site upkeep. Crucially, the firm asserted that it had no hand in the selection of contractors for the large-scale facade refurbishment recently completed, nor did it supervise the engineering work.

“The contractors were chosen solely by the Owners’ Corporation,” the company stated, emphasizing that its participation was purely administrative and “did not include any advisory or decision-making authority regarding the engineering work or renovations.”

Fire System Oversight Not Managed by Firm, ISS Claims

Following widespread public concern regarding the operational status of the building’s fire safety equipment, ISS released a subsequent statement reiterating that it was not responsible for the installation, maintenance, or inspection of the fire safety systems. Hong Kong law mandates that such specialized work must be conducted exclusively by licensed registered contractors. ISS explained that ISSEPPL’s function as the management agent was simply to coordinate access for these licensed third parties in accordance with legal requirements and established regulatory procedures.

Despite the firm’s insistence on a limited scope of responsibility, international investors demonstrated heightened anxiety over potential legal and financial repercussions. Analysts from major brokerages cited pervasive market worry that ISS may still face substantial liability. Johan Eliason, an analyst at SB1 Markets, pointed to the clear “risk of potential liability and compensation payouts,” though he noted that such exposures are typically managed through robust insurance coverage. Queries by foreign media outlets regarding the potential scale of damages and liability went unanswered by ISS.

Hong Kong Government Launches Judicial Inquiry

The tragedy prompted an immediate and high-level response from the Hong Kong government. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-Chiu announced Tuesday the formation of an independent judicial commission to be led by a judge. The commission is tasked with a comprehensive investigation into the causes of the Wang Fu Court fire and the regulatory oversight of exterior cladding installation and maintenance.

ISS pledged its full cooperation with the official probe. The company confirmed it had initiated contact with relevant government departments, assuring a commitment to providing all necessary information throughout the investigation. ISS maintained that its immediate priority remains providing support to the affected residents and assisting the government in its inquiries.

The incident underscores the growing complexity and liability risks associated with international facilities management, particularly where subcontractors and ambiguous lines of responsibility intersect with critical life safety systems in densely populated urban centers. As the judicial inquiry proceeds, the findings are expected to have a profound impact on future regulatory standards governing building maintenance and management agency responsibilities across the territory.

HONG KONG, February 5 — A devastating five-alarm fire that swept through the Wang Fuk Court housing estate in Tai Po has claimed over a hundred lives and left many missing, but it is the raw grief of a 71-year-old resident, captured in a searing photograph, that has become the defining image of the tragedy. One week later, the wife of Mr. Wong remains among the missing, underscoring the deep anguish and uncertainty facing families grappling with the fallout of the unprecedented blaze.

The viral image, disseminated globally by Reuters, showed Mr. Wong outside the engulfed building, arms flailing, screaming, “My wife is inside!” The powerful moment, documented by Reuters photographer Tyrone Siu, immediately resonated across continents, symbolizing the profound, universal pain of sudden loss.

A Husband’s Last Promise in the Ashes

Mr. Siu recounted arriving on the scene less than an hour after the fire erupted, witnessing Mr. Wong’s uncontrolled despair. “No matter where you are from in the world, you could feel Mr. Wong’s helplessness and pain,” Siu noted.

According to a report from Reuters, Mr. Wong, a retired maintenance contractor, had just left home to pick up his granddaughter when he learned the estate was ablaze. He immediately rushed back, only to find the block consumed by flames. His desperate cries to police that his wife was still upstairs led to emotional collapse; officers had to physically assist him as he sank to the ground.

The family’s last communication was chillingly brief. J. Wong (a pseudonym), the couple’s son, revealed exclusively to Reuters that his mother called his father shortly after the fire began. The conversation lasted barely sixty seconds before the line went dead. “There has been no word (from her) since,” the son confirmed. As of Wednesday, Mr. Wong’s wife is officially listed among the missing persons.

J. Wong admitted his father initially resisted the grim reality, but witnessing the flames and thick smoke ascend rapidly changed his mind. “In his heart, he understood,” the son said, acknowledging the high likelihood of a catastrophic outcome. Though the father sheds tears when his wife is mentioned, J. Wong sees a gradual shift: “He is clearly struggling to move forward.”

Foreboding Warnings Ignored

Further complicating the tragedy are revelations that Mr. Wong, a licensed electrical and plumbing contractor with expertise in building materials, held deep reservations about the estate’s safety integrity. J. Wong disclosed that before the disaster, his father deemed the external wall renovation at Wang Fuk Court “unsafe,” even taking proactive measures to protect his own unit. He replaced the foam board insulation outside their window with fire-resistant panels and regularly sprayed water on nearby scaffolding to reduce the temperature.

“No matter what he did, he couldn’t change what happened,” the son lamented.

Investigators are increasingly focusing on the construction materials used on the exterior of the seven affected towers. Early reports suggest that substandard plastic scaffolding nets and flammable foam protective layers exacerbated the fire, rapidly accelerating its vertical spread—a phenomenon experts describe as the “chimney effect.”

Finding Healing Through Disclosure

J. Wong proactively reached out to Reuters, hoping that sharing his family’s deeply personal struggle might serve as a form of therapy, easing his guilt and grief while allowing the public to understand the immense emotional burden carried by surviving relatives.

As night fell during the interview, Mr. Wong stood near the ravaged building, gazing up at the blackened façade. He made a quiet, heartrending pledge, audible only as a whisper: “I will find you.” It was a final, desperate vow from a husband in the face of unimaginable loss, crystallizing the enduring human dimension of this metropolitan disaster.

Search and rescue operations and the official investigation into the high casualty fire continue. The fate of Mr. Wong’s wife and numerous other residents remains uncertain, leaving families across the city waiting in agonizing limbo.

HONG KONG — Authorities in Hong Kong ordered the immediate dismantling of all external scaffolding nets on major public and private construction sites this week, mandating completion by Saturday amid an escalating investigation into the use of substandard, non-flame retardant materials linked to the deadly Tai Po Wang Fuk Court fire that claimed 159 lives.

Secretary for Security Chris Tang and Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn announced the sweeping public safety measure late Wednesday, revealing that official inquiries strongly suspect contractors intentionally used inferior netting to cut costs. The mandate affects over 200 high-rise buildings currently undergoing maintenance. Concurrent criminal probes have already led to 21 arrests, with police now investigating alleged fraud involving false fire-retardant certifications used on netting at several public housing estates.

Alleged Fake Certifications Prompt Criminal Probe

The crisis deepened as Tang confirmed that investigations following the catastrophic Wang Fuk Court fire suggested widespread deception within the construction supply chain. In two specific renovation projects—at Peak Wah Estate in Chai Wan and Fu Chak Garden in North Point—safety certificates for scaffolding nets were suspected to be counterfeit documents.

“We have discovered documentation purporting to certify the flame retardance of these nets appears to be fabricated,” Tang stated at a press briefing at government headquarters.

Police discovered certifications allegedly issued by mainland Chinese quality control centers. However, follow-up inquiries with Chinese authorities revealed that one center, the National Labor Protection Products Quality Supervision and Inspection Center, never issued the relevant document, while the Binzhou Inspection and Testing Center could not be reached. The Hong Kong Police Force’s Hong Kong Island Regional Crime Unit has taken over the investigation into the suspected fabricated compliance forms, with Tang indicating that further similar cases are anticipated.

Two Hundred Buildings Affected by Removal Order

To mitigate immediate risks, Development Secretary Linn mandated that all existing scaffolding nets must be taken down from every building currently undergoing major renovation or maintenance, regardless of whether it is public or private property. Contractors have until Saturday to comply with the urgent removal order.

Linn estimated the directive impacts approximately 200 private buildings and more than a dozen public housing or government building projects. While acknowledging the logistical challenge, Linn stressed that public safety overrides all other technical considerations. Limited exceptions for failing to meet the deadline will only be granted upon scrutiny of highly compelling reasons.

Following the mandatory removal, the Buildings Department is set to issue new operational guidelines next week. These rules will require materials testing on-site—meaning scaffolding nets must be sampled immediately upon delivery and verified by accredited laboratory personnel before being deployed.

Accountability and Transparency Pledged

The latest announcements follow weeks of intense scrutiny after the Wang Fuk Court blaze dramatically exposed systemic failings in construction oversight. Authorities previously indicated that the death toll was exacerbated by non-operational fire safety systems in the building.

In parallel with the nets investigation, police recently arrested six fire safety installation contractors on suspicion of fraud, alleging they made false statements to the Fire Services Department claiming that fire alarms would remain operational during system maintenance.

Secretary Tang addressed concerns about the pace and clarity of information disclosure, emphasizing that the government decided to share preliminary findings immediately to prevent rumor and speculation.

“If the government only releases information after the final, complete reports are compiled, society will be plagued by conjecture and doubts about our transparency,” Tang explained.

Linn confirmed that contractors found to have used substandard materials or engaged in fraud related to safety certificates could face severe penalties, including de-registration under the Buildings Ordinance. She maintained that the government’s immediate focus is on ensuring public safety and strengthening regulatory oversight for construction professionals and suppliers to prevent similar tragedies.