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HONG KONG — Hong Kong’s top leadership, joined by central government representatives, held a solemn mourning ceremony on Wednesday for the victims of the deadly fire that recently ravaged Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, resulting in multiple casualties.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, flanked by principal officials, members of the Executive Council, civil service leaders, heads of disciplined services, and Hospital Authority management, led the gathering at the forecourt of Government Headquarters in Admiralty. They were joined by prominent mainland officials, including Xu Qifang, Executive Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, Zhou Ji, Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government, and Nong Rong, Deputy Director of the Central Hong Kong and Macau Work Office, underscoring the deep impact of the tragedy.

The brief but profound ceremony began at 8 a.m. with a police honor guard raising the national flag before quickly lowering it to half-mast. The officials and dignitaries then observed a three-minute period of silent reflection to honor those who perished. A large contingent of citizens, many dressed somberly in dark colors, voluntarily gathered outside the complex, observing the rite alongside the government delegation.

Following the approximately five-minute ritual, top officials and non-official members of the Executive Council proceeded to a specially established condolence area in the West Wing of the government complex to sign a book of mourning.

The territory entered three days of official mourning spanning Nov. 29 to Dec. 1. During this period, both the national flag and the regional flag have been ordered to fly at half-mast on all government buildings and facilities across Hong Kong, including overseas special administrative region offices.

In a mark of respect, principal government officials have canceled all non-essential public appearances and engagements. Furthermore, all entertainment and celebratory events organized or funded by the government are being assessed for prompt cancellation or postponement and will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

To facilitate public expression of grief, the Home Affairs Department has established condolence stations in all 18 districts across the territory. Members of the public wishing to pay their respects and sign the books of condolence can do so from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily until the conclusion of the mourning period on Friday, Dec. 1.

The widespread display of lower flags and the official period of silence reflect the community’s collective sorrow over the Tai Po inferno, which remains under investigation by authorities. The ongoing mourning period serves as an important moment for the city to pause, remember the lives lost, and extend solace to the affected families. Authorities continue to prioritize support services for the injured and displaced residents in the wake of the devastating residential fire.

Hong Kong’s top leadership, including Chief Executive John Lee, formally observed a moment of silence Wednesday in memory of those killed in the recent devastating blaze at Richland Garden in Tai Po. The somber ceremony, held outside the Central Government Offices, brought together key officials, uniformed services leaders, and representatives from Beijing, underscoring the severity of the tragic loss.

The tribute began at 8 a.m. with a Police Honor Guard raising the national and regional flags, which were then immediately lowered to half-mast. Attendees, including senior government bureau chiefs, Executive Council non-official members, and hospital authority executives, observed a three-minute silence for victims of the residential fire that caused multiple casualties. Notable mainland officials present included Nong Rong, Deputy Director of the Central Leading Group on Hong Kong and Macau Affairs, and Zhou Ji, Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in Hong Kong.

Citywide Mourning Implemented

The silent commemoration marked the beginning of a three-day period of official mourning across the Special Administrative Region. All government buildings and facilities, including Hong Kong’s overseas representative offices, will fly the national and regional flags at half-mast until Friday.

In a sign of unified grief, Chief Executive Lee and other principal officials proceeded immediately after the five-minute ceremony to a designated condolence area established in the West Wing of the Central Government Offices to sign books of remembrance.

Public and Official Activities Curtailed

The government announced several measures to focus the city on mourning. Major government officials are expected to cancel all non-essential public appearances and activities throughout the period. Furthermore, all entertainment and celebratory events organized or funded by the government will be either canceled or postponed, depending on their nature, out of respect for the victims.

The period of public mourning will also feature widespread opportunities for citizens to express their condolences. The Home Affairs Department has established remembrance stations in all 18 districts across Hong Kong. These stations will be open for the public to sign condolence registers from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., running from Wednesday, November 29, through Friday, December 1.

Civilians Join Silent Vigil

Beyond the political figures, a large contingent of citizens dressed in muted colors voluntarily gathered outside the government complex grounds to witness the proceedings and participate in the collective silence. Their silent presence highlighted the profound impact the disaster has had on the community.

The extensive participation from both local and mainland government echelons, alongside the visible public outreach efforts, emphasizes the gravity of the Tai Po fire incident. The coordinated displays of grief and the establishment of citywide condolence measures aim to provide an organized and respectful framework for the recovery and emotional healing process following a tragedy that has deeply shaken the city. Further investigations into the cause of the fire remain ongoing as victims and their families begin the arduous process of rebuilding their lives.

HONG KONG — A massive five-alarm fire ripped through Hong Fuk Estate in Tai Po last week, claiming numerous lives and displacing hundreds, as one resident recounted the agonizing loss of her home, loved ones, and financial security in a tragedy magnified by alleged construction disputes and failed alarm systems.

Ms. Fan, a single mother residing in Wang Kin House, revealed the devastating impact of the blaze, which erupted while she was at work, leaving her financially ruined and mourning the deaths of her godparents and a colleague. Her emotional breakdown underscored the desperation gripping the community, now demanding immediate government intervention and a transparent investigation into the fire’s swift, deadly spread.

“I exhausted a lifetime of savings just to buy this flat. After struggling to pay the mortgage, then facing huge maintenance fees, I have nothing left,” a tearful Ms. Fan told reporters. “Now, the fire has consumed my home. What am I supposed to do?”

The tragedy quickly escalated beyond a localized incident. While Ms. Fan was working at a hospital and her child was at school, supervisors alerted her to the fire. Upon rushing back, police cordons blocked her path as the flames—fanned by the wind—began to leap to adjacent blocks, including Wang Sun House and Wang Tai House, which were visibly scorched.

Official reports confirmed the immense scale of the disaster, with fatalities climbing to 128 dead and 79 injured. Compounding the tragedy, authorities indicated that the crucial fire alarm system failed to activate, leaving residents reliant on neighbors for precious evacuation time.

Alarm Failure and Controversial Contract Raise Questions

Ms. Fan recounted asking her mother, who lives nearby, whether she heard the fire alarm. “She said there was no warning sound,” Ms. Fan stated. “If people hadn’t gone door-to-door banging to wake people up, many more wouldn’t have known until it was too late. When a fire breaks out, the elevators stop working. How are the elderly supposed to escape?”

The community’s suffering is compounded by deep-seated frustration regarding the estate’s recent large-scale renovation project, which residents believe was poorly managed and hastily contracted. Ms. Fan alleged that the previous Owners’ Committee chairman unilaterally signed a contract with Hung Yip Construction Engineering despite widespread opposition from most homeowners.

Attempts to overturn the contract were unsuccessful, though owners managed to delay payment deadlines. Ms. Fan highlighted residents’ bewilderment over the extensive, prolonged nature of the maintenance work.

“What made us most dissatisfied was why they simultaneously sealed off so many buildings, putting up netting and scaffolding, which we felt was unnecessary,” she explained. “They could have completed the maintenance on all eight blocks at once, but they didn’t. The major renovation has dragged on for nearly a year and a half, yet only two blocks were completed.”

Displacement and Uncertain Future

Amid the debris and grief, the immediate needs of the displaced residents are paramount. Ms. Fan, while having the option to temporarily stay with family or in her hospital dormitory, stressed the urgency of government action. She intends to leave space open for neighbors with fewer resources, focusing her immediate hope on accelerated rebuilding efforts.

However, the loss of essential documents creates another hurdle for recovery. Crucial items like passports, birth certificates, legal documents, and property deeds remain inaccessible within the scorched ruins.

“What are my plans? I don’t know. I can only wait to see what arrangements the government makes, take it step by step,” Ms. Fan said. “We have no money left. What else can we do?”

Organizations are mobilizing to provide aid. In addition to housing and financial support, volunteer groups are organizing mental health initiatives, including yoga sessions and aromatherapy, designed to help survivors navigate the emotional trauma of the inferno. The community now looks to government officials for not only short-term relief but also a comprehensive investigation ensuring accountability for the alarm failures and alleged contracting irregularities that may have contributed to the staggering death toll.

HONG KONG, November 28 — Authorities in Hong Kong formally launched a corruption investigation today following a devastating five-alarm fire that claimed at least 94 lives, including a 37-year-old firefighter, at the Wang Fuk Court housing estate in Tai Po. The tragedy, which has plunged the city into mourning, prompted the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) to establish a dedicated task force to examine potential graft related to the complex’s recent massive renovation project.

The ICAC announced the arrest of eight individuals—seven men and one woman, aged 40 to 63—implicating key figures from the engineering consultancy, scaffolding subcontractors, and intermediaries involved in the overhaul. Search warrants were executed across 13 locations, including corporate offices and residences, as investigators seized engineering documents and bank records central to the probe.

Consultants and Contractors Detained

The arrests specifically targeted the professional hierarchy responsible for overseeing the work at Wang Fuk Court. Among those detained are two directors and two project managers from the engineering consultants, identified as Hung Yi Architects. Additionally, three individuals affiliated with the scaffolding subcontractor, including a couple who own the business, were taken into custody alongside one alleged intermediary.

ICAC officers were seen escorting several suspects, hands reportedly cuffed, to their offices in areas like Kowloon Bay throughout the day to facilitate searches and the collection of evidence. The operation saw investigators depart with multiple containers filled with potential exhibits, underscoring the scale of the ongoing investigation. All arrestees are currently being held for questioning.

The ICAC’s sudden involvement highlights mounting suspicion that substandard materials, inadequate oversight, or systemic corruption may have contributed to the unprecedented scale of the disaster.

Broader Safety Catastrophes Investigated

Separately, police are pursuing charges of potential manslaughter against three individuals connected to the renovation works, linking alleged negligence directly to the high casualty count. Detectives from the New Territories North Regional Crime Unit arrested two directors of the main engineering contractor and one engineering consultant, aged 52 to 68.

These arrests follow initial internal findings by the Fire Services Department (FSD). During search and rescue operations, the FSD reportedly discovered fire safety concerns regarding external materials used in the renovation, specifically noting that protective netting, tarpaulins, and plastic sheeting might not have met requisite fire standards.

Furthermore, investigators noted alarming deficiencies in an adjacent, unburned block of the estate, where Styrofoam was allegedly used to seal windows in elevator lobbies on multiple floors. Experts suggest such materials could have rapidly accelerated the fire’s spread, contributing to the staggering death toll in the affected block, Hung Cheung House.

The police suspects were escorted to various locations yesterday, including a New Po Kong office and residences in Yuen Long and Ma On Shan, as part of the manslaughter inquiry. One of the detained, a 52-year-old male director identified by his surname, Ho, and a 68-year-old consultant with the surname Wong, responsible for authorization signatures, remain in police custody.

Rescue Efforts Concluding

While the criminal and anti-corruption investigations accelerate, the FSD has concluded the majority of its operational response. Deputy Director of Operations Chan Hing-yung confirmed that extensive search and rescue efforts, which included breaking into every unit across seven blocks to ensure no one was trapped, are wrapping up. While most of the fire was extinguished, cooling operations continued in certain units to prevent rekindling.

The twin investigations by the ICAC and the police underscore a critical focus on accountability and public safety standards in the wake of one of the deadliest residential fires in the city’s history. Authorities face intense pressure to determine if regulatory failures or intentional corruption created the conditions that allowed the fire to escalate so rapidly. The public awaits further details, demanding justice for the victims.

HONG KONG — Government officials today reaffirmed a robust package of financial and social support for victims of the catastrophic Grade V fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, where the death toll has tragically climbed to 128, with 79 injured.

Housing concerns and compensation were at the forefront of remarks delivered by Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak following a visit to a temporary shelter in Tai Po on Sunday. Mak, alongside Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin and Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun, sought to reassure affected residents and counter rumors about associated costs.

Free Shelter and Significant Financial Relief Confirmed

Secretary Mak stressed unequivocally that all government assistance, including temporary accommodation and transport, would be provided free of charge, directly challenging what she termed “misinformation” that could deter vulnerable families from seeking essential services.

The immediate financial relief will be substantial. Beyond an initial HK$10,000 emergency cash handout, the government announced a HK$200,000 condolence payment for the family of each deceased victim. Starting next week, affected households will also receive a HK$50,000 living allowance. This stipend will be distributed after families register through the “One Social Worker, One Household” scheme.

To address the immediate trauma of loss, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department will manage all funeral arrangements, including cremation services and niche allocation, at no cost to the families. This involves increasing cremation time slots and reserving public niches.

Total Aid Fund Reaches HK$800 Million

The government’s coordinated aid effort is bolstered by significant public contributions. As of late afternoon, the dedicated Tai Po Wang Fuk Court Assistance Fund has amassed HK$500 million in private donations, supplementing the government’s HK$300 million pledge, bringing the total resources available to HK$800 million.

Meanwhile, progress is being made on distributing immediate emergency funds. Mak noted that the HK$10,000 cash handout has already reached 78 households. Due to the logistical challenges of counting and pooling the large amount of cash, which requires banking assistance, officials expect the full distribution to be completed within the next two days.

Social and Educational Support Mobilized

The government is prioritizing psychological and social welfare support for the thousands of people impacted by the disaster.

Secretary Sun confirmed that social workers and psychologists are operating 24 hours a day at both the shelter and the mortuary facilities. The crucial “One Social Worker, One Household” initiative has registered 930 households, representing roughly half of all affected residents. Sun urged any remaining families to register immediately by calling the 24-hour hotline, 182183, emphasizing that mandatory registration aids in verifying identity and expediting welfare payments.

For students and educators reeling from the tragedy, Secretary Choi announced targeted support. Educational psychologists and development officers have been deployed to the temporary shelter. Furthermore, all schools in the Tai Po district will receive a special incident support grant of either HK$50,000 or HK$100,000 for flexible use in assisting students, parents, and teachers. The Education Bureau is also scheduled to host professional seminars on mental health and emotional processing in the coming days.

Mak reported that 720 individuals had used the temporary shelter as of Sunday evening, assuring the public that supplies remain sufficient. She asked citizens intending to donate goods to hold off for the moment. The District Office plans to launch an electronic platform soon to facilitate resource matching once victims transition into more permanent short-term housing.

Despite government efforts to move residents to dedicated short-term units, Mak acknowledged that some families are reluctant to leave the temporary shelter, seeking immediate updates on the fire investigation or grappling with the emotional shock. Officials confirmed that both the 182183 hotline and assigned social workers will continue to provide necessary updates and support as the community begins the challenging process of recovery.

HONG KONG — The Hong Kong government launched a substantial emergency relief effort Wednesday, pledging immediate financial support and comprehensive social services for victims and families affected by the catastrophic Category Five fire at Tai Po’s Wang Fuk Court, which has so far claimed 128 lives and injured 79 others. Several top government officials, including Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak, visited a temporary shelter in Tai Po to meet with displace residents before outlining the administration’s response package, stressing that all government-provided assistance, including temporary housing and transportation, would be offered free of charge.

The scale of the tragedy, marked by one of the deadliest residential fires in recent memory, has prompted a massive mobilization of both public and private resources. As of Wednesday afternoon, the government-established Wang Fuk Court Relief Fund had swelled to HK$800 million (approximately US$102 million), with HK$500 million in private donations supplementing an initial HK$300 million injection from the special administrative region government.

Immediate Financial and Social Support Detailed

Secretary Mak confirmed several immediate and mid-term financial measures designed to alleviate the pressure on affected families. In addition to a previously announced HK$10,000 emergency cash payment—which officials assured would be dispersed within days despite logistical challenges in counting and preparing the funds—each bereaved family will receive a HK$200,000 bereavement grant. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department will directly facilitate all funeral and burial arrangements for the deceased.

Starting next week, every affected household will also receive a monthly living allowance of HK$50,000, distributed through a centralized scheme known as “One Social Worker, One Household.”

Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun reported that rapid deployment of social services is underway. Over 930 households have already registered for the specialized social work mentorship program, representing roughly half of the total affected population.

“Social workers and psychologists are stationed 24 hours a day at the shelter facilities and liaison points, including the temporary morgue facilities,” Sun said, urging any remaining unregistered families to contact the 24-hour hotline, 182183, to be assigned a case worker immediately.

Educational and Mental Health Interventions

The wide-reaching impact of the disaster has extended across the community, necessitating specialized educational support. Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin confirmed ongoing communication with schools near Wang Fuk Court and announced special accident support grants of HK$50,000 or HK$100,000 for students residing in the Tai Po district.

To help the mental health fallout, the Education Bureau plans to host professional seminars in the coming days to equip teachers and parents with guidelines for addressing emotional trauma and stress among children and adolescents.

Logistical Challenges and Information Flow

Mak acknowledged the distress among families seeking information about the fire site and their homes. She emphasized that while some residents preferred to remain in temporary shelters or sought direct access to the scene, the government is prioritizing clear communication via the dedicated hotline and through the “One Social Worker, One Household” system to provide updates and address urgent needs.

The investigation into the cause and swift spread of the blaze continues to draw scrutiny, particularly concerning initial reports of a potentially dysfunctional fire alarm system. The swift, coordinated government and community response highlights the city’s immediate commitment to recovery, even as questions about building safety and emergency protocols linger.

TAI PO, Hong Kong — The Hong Kong government announced a significant relief package and robust social support mechanism on Thursday following a devastating five-alarm fire at the Tai Po Kwong Fuk Estate, where the death toll has tragically climbed to 128, with 79 others injured. Amid immense public grief, officials, led by Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak, confirmed that all government-provided temporary housing and transportation for the affected residents would be offered free of charge, addressing community concerns over relief costs.

The comprehensive assistance plan was detailed during a press conference held at a temporary shelter in Tai Po, shortly after government secretaries visited residents displaced by one of the city’s deadliest residential fires in decades.

Emergency Relief and Financial Support Mobilized

The government is channeling substantial financial resources to support the recovery effort. Secretary Mak confirmed that families of the deceased will receive a HK$200,000 condolence payment per fatality, in addition to an immediate HK$10,000 emergency cash payment announced previously. Furthermore, starting next week, each affected household will be allocated a HK$50,000 living allowance, disbursed through the “One Social Worker Per Household” registration system. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department will directly assist with funeral arrangements.

Signaling massive public support, the official Kwong Fuk Estate Aid Fund has swelled to HK$800 million (approximately $102 million USD). This total includes a combined HK$500 million in private donations collected by 5 p.m. local time on Thursday, alongside the government’s HK$300 million contribution.

Mental Health and Educational Support Prioritized

Social integration and mental health services are central to the government’s relief strategy. Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun reported that social workers and psychologists are staffing the shelter and mortuary facilities around the clock to provide counseling to grieving families.

The essential “One Social Worker Per Household” initiative has seen 930 households register so far, accounting for roughly half of the total displaced residents. Sun urged any families who have not yet registered to call the 24-hour hotline, 182183, to be connected with dedicated support staff.

Meanwhile, the Secretary for Education, Christine Choi, addressed the fire’s impact on local schooling. She confirmed ongoing communication with schools near the public housing complex and announced two tiers of extraordinary grants for students: those in the Tai Po district will receive either HK$50,000 or HK$100,000 in special incident support allowances, depending on their proximity and degree of impact. To help educators navigate the emotional fallout, the Education Bureau will host professional workshops over the next two days, providing guidance to teachers and parents on supporting students dealing with trauma.

Fire Safety Failures Under Scrutiny

While immediate aid is being delivered, the disaster has thrown into sharp relief critical questions regarding building safety protocols. Initial reports suggest that the complex’s fire alarm system may have been non-operational during the multi-story blaze, potentially escalating the tragedy. Previous maintenance checks, however, reportedly confirmed that the scaffolding netting surrounding the estate met fire-retardant standards.

The catastrophic loss of life and displacement has sparked intense public pressure on authorities to investigate the maintenance and operational status of all fire safety infrastructure at the public housing estate. Former security officers working at the complex have publicly voiced their anguish, suggesting the massive death toll might have been avoided had proper alarm systems been functional. This escalating inquiry into fire safety negligence promises to be a prolonged and sensitive aspect of the overall disaster response.

As thousands of residents struggle to deal with displacement—some forced to sleep in nearby shopping malls—and families search for loved ones identified at temporary morgues, the focus remains firmly on providing stability and justice in the wake of the tragedy.

TAI PO, HONG KONG — A catastrophic five-alarm fire ravaged the Kwong Fuk Estate in Tai Po, Hong Kong, pushing the death toll to an alarming 128 with another 79 individuals injured, authorities confirmed today, igniting urgent questions about building safety protocols following reports that the complex’s fire alarm system was non-operational. Senior government officials visited a temporary refuge center Thursday to offer assistance as devastated residents grappled with the tragedy, which forced hundreds to evacuate their homes and seek temporary shelter.

The blaze, one of the deadliest in Hong Kong’s recent history, has overwhelmed local disaster response efforts, with many bereaved family members spending agonizing hours awaiting news and confirmation of their loved ones’ fates. Education Secretary Choi Yuk-lin, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Mei-kuen, and Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han met with survivors and offered support during a coordinated government response, later addressing the press outside the makeshift relief center.

Officials Vow Investigation into Alarm System Failure

Initial findings suggest a pervasive failure in the residential building’s fire safety infrastructure may have severely worsened the outcome. Multiple reports indicate that the complex’s internal fire alarms failed to activate effectively during the disaster. A former security supervisor at the estate expressed deep distress over the situation, lamenting that the scale of the tragedy could have been significantly minimized, suggesting the fire alarm system had been potentially disabled or “tagged out” of service prior to the incident—a critical claim now central to multiple ongoing investigations.

In a small piece of reassuring news for building materials, preliminary inspections of the scaffolding netting used on the exterior of the building met mandated flame-retardant standards. However, this finding has provided little comfort as the focus shifts overwhelmingly to the systemic failure of internal warning and evacuation mechanisms.

The disaster has not only claimed lives but also profoundly disrupted the community. Residents of neighboring blocks, including Kwong Lai House, were forced into emergency evacuation. Many resorted to sheltering overnight in nearby shopping areas, anxiously awaiting permission to return home and retrieve vital belongings. One displaced resident spoke to local media of the simple but overwhelming desire to “just go home and take a shower,” underscoring the immediate humanitarian crisis facing the survivors.

Community Centers Transform into Morgues

The scale of the loss has necessitated turning community facilities into somber processing sites. Local community centers, designed for leisure and civic activities, have been converted into temporary identification areas where families must review photographs of the deceased in a desperate attempt to locate missing relatives. For some families, the agonizing wait has stretched over two days without definitive information, intensifying the community’s collective grief and demanding clearer communication from authorities.

Government bodies, in cooperation with social service organizations, are mobilizing resources to address both the immediate needs of the unhoused and the long-term psychological impact on those affected. The three secretary-level officials confirmed that significant social welfare and mental health support would be prioritized for the survivors and grieving families.

The incident is poised to trigger a comprehensive review of fire safety enforcement and inspection frequency across Hong Kong’s vast public housing system. Experts warn that unless concrete steps are taken to hold responsible parties accountable for lapses in maintaining essential safety infrastructure, similar preventable disasters remain a persistent threat in densely populated urban environments. Investigations are expected to focus heavily on maintenance records, alarm system protocols, and regulatory oversight in the months preceding the devastating fire.

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.

HONG KONG — Authorities initiated a sweeping investigation into alleged corruption linked to a massive refurbishment project following a catastrophic, Category Five fire in Tai Po that claimed the lives of at least 94 people, including a 37-year-old firefighter. The unprecedented tragedy at the Wang Fuk Court complex has plunged the city into mourning and focused intense scrutiny on construction safety standards.

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) announced Friday it had formed a special task force to examine potential graft involving the extensive maintenance work carried out at the public housing estate. The move signals a dual-pronged law enforcement effort targeting both criminal negligence and systemic corruption in the wake of the disaster.

In a significant development Friday morning, ICAC officers arrested two directors of Hung Yee Architects Ltd., the firm serving as the project consultant for the renovation. The individuals, identified through corporate records as Ng Yeuk and Wong Hap-yin, were later escorted by investigators to their Kowloon Bay offices for evidence gathering. This action marks the second wave of arrests related to the inferno, following initial arrests made by police earlier this week.

The fire, which erupted at the complex, has exposed severe lapses in building safety protocols. Fire Services Department officials discovered non-compliant construction materials during the search and rescue operation, including external scaffolding nets, tarpaulin, and plastic sheeting that appeared to lack adequate fire resistance.

Compounding the hazard, structural inspection found instances where windows in the lift lobbies of an adjacent, unburnt tower were sealed with foam insulation. Investigators suspect the highly flammable material may have contributed to the rapid, uncontrollable spread of the deadly blaze, which ravaged the complex in minutes.

Misconduct and Mass Casualty Charges

The ICAC’s corruption probe follows the apprehension of three individuals by police on Thursday. Officers from the New Territories North Regional Crime Unit arrested two directors and one consultant (aged 52 to 68) affiliated with the construction company responsible for the maintenance contract.

The suspects, who reportedly include a director identified by the surname Ho and an engineering consultant named Wong who held signing authority, were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter due to gross negligence leading to significant loss of life. They were detained pending further investigation after being brought to various locations, including a village house in Ha Mei San Tsuen and a residential apartment in Ma On Shan, for searches and evidence collection. A third director, surnamed Hou, was also reportedly detained.

The immense scale of the disaster prompted an immediate, all-hands-on-deck rescue effort. Deputy Chief Fire Officer (Operations) Chan Hing-yung confirmed early Friday that extinguishing efforts were largely complete, though crews continued to manage residual hot spots and cool affected units to prevent flare-ups.

Implications for Public Safety

The tragedy highlights critical questions regarding the oversight and execution of large-scale public housing maintenance projects. Experts suggest that cost-cutting measures or lax supervision related to the procurement and installation of building materials may have created a lethal environment.

The joint investigation by the police and the ICAC sends a clear message that authorities will pursue both criminal negligence and any underlying corrupt practices that compromised public safety. The findings are expected to prompt a comprehensive review of fire safety codes, procurement processes, and regulatory enforcement across Hong Kong’s vast public housing infrastructure.

As forensic teams continue the grim task of identifying victims and documenting the scene, the focus shifts to ensuring accountability for the devastating loss of life and preventing similar catastrophes.