-
TOPIC

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy
Latest news and updates on the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district that killed 168 people, including a firefighter. Scores of people were also hurt.
Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po
Bank of China account: 012 8752 190 1597
Hong Kong Red Cross
https://www.redcross.org.hk/en/index.html
Operation Santa Claus Emergency Appeal
https://oschk.org/
Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council
https://www.skhwc.org.hk/en/
Hong Kong Family Welfare Society
https://www.hkfws.org.hk/en/home
Po Leung Kuk
https://www.poleungkuk.org.hk/en
Feeding Hong Kong
https://feedinghk.org/
The deadly fire at Tai Po’s Wang Fuk Court last November exposed lapses in Hong Kong’s system of awarding building and maintenance contracts, among other areas. Photo: Sam Tsang
Hong Kong fires and safety

Hong Kong authorities could vet construction firm directors to tighten oversight

Development chief says government could extend checks beyond project’s authorised person to help plug loopholes after Tai Po fire.

Hong Kong

Hongkongers allowed to observe first open meeting of committee probing Tai Po fire

Hong Kong

Hong Kong Housing Authority members urge clarity on Tai Po rental site swap

Hong Kong

Hong Kong authorities start 2-month inspection operation on building fire safety

Fire Services Department begins checks on residential and mixed-use buildings planned at least 39 years ago to ensure safety equipment in place.

The fire alarm system at Tung Lee Mansion in Sai Wan, which was installed by the same contractor in charge of maintenance at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. Photo: Dickson Lee
Insurance

China Taiping expects higher profit but Tai Po fire could weigh in 2026

State-owned insurer expects 215 to 225 per cent jump in 2025 net profit due to a gain in investment income, one-off tax impact.

Hong Kong politics

Opinion | Government knows best? Hong Kong policymakers need to listen more

From Tai Po redevelopment to anti-bid-rigging measures, Hong Kong policies appear to have been shaped with little legislative input.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Hong Kong

Hong Kong to roll out tender platform upgraded after Tai Po fire in second half

Under new system, Urban Renewal Authority will conduct strict scrutiny of directors of contractors and consultants.

The use of substandard, non-fire-retardant scaffold nets and flammable foam boards to seal windows were suspected of contributing to the rapid spread of the Wang Fuk Court fire. Photo: Eugene Lee
Hong Kong

Hong Kong contractors rated poorly by homeowners face removal after Tai Po fire

Chief Secretary Eric Chan outlines reforms to ‘Smart Tender’ scheme, including homeowner surveys and stricter oversight to combat bid-rigging.

Hong Kong

Exclusive | Tai Po fire relief fund to earn interest from fixed deposits: Hong Kong minister

Home affairs chief Alice Mak says government ‘not that foolish’ to leave funds idle after some economists suggest investing money.

SCMP Exclusives

Exclusive | Hong Kong considers doubling attendance threshold for major renovation approvals

Home affairs chief Alice Mak pledges to fast-track amendment to Building Management Ordinance following Tai Po fire that killed 168.

Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. Photo: Sam Tsang
Hong Kong housing

Editorial | Resettling Hong Kong fire victims calls for compassion and fiscal prudence

The authorities must take victims’ preferences into account while residents should be realistic about what the government can do and afford.

People gather near Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po on January 13. The deadly fire at Wang Fuk Court in November 2025 claimed 161 lives. Photo: Sam Tsang
Hong Kong

Pledges fall short of fixing building sector after Hong Kong inferno: experts

Experts warn new building maintenance measures in the wake of the deadly fire in Tai Po only scratch the surface of deeper systemic issues.

5
Hong Kong

Stalled work to resume as Hong Kong distributes 3,000 fire-tested scaffold nets

Construction Industry Council receives 12,000 centrally procured nets from Guangdong province, with another 38,000 expected to arrive by early February.

Hong Kong

Death toll from Hong Kong fire rises to 168 after more remains identified

Security chief Chris Tang updates death toll from Tai Po inferno, saying remains of all victims have now been identified.

Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. Photo: Sam Tsang
Hong Kong society

Explainer | Bid-rigging clamp, smoke-free construction sites: Hong Kong Legco gets cracking

The Post looks into measures proposed in response to last year’s Wang Fuk Court fire.

The eighth Legislative Council held its first meeting on Wednesday morning. Photo: Eugene Lee
Hong Kong

Tougher building checks may add costs, slow projects, Hong Kong lawmaker says

Andrew Lam calls for government and legislature to discuss proposal to tighten scrutiny of building maintenance projects in greater depth.

Hong Kong

Legal Tales | Time to end bid-rigging in Hong Kong with criminalisation, tougher enforcement

In the wake of the Tai Po fire, an all-too-common practice in building management and maintenance comes under the spotlight – and must be redressed.

5
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Hong Kong

Gaps laid bare by deadly Hong Kong fire focus of first Legco meeting of new term

City leader John Lee outlines government priorities in wake of November’s blaze, with resettlement of residents and investigations topping list.

videocam
Chief Executive John Lee walks in the Legislative Council chamber as new Legco president Starry Lee looks on. Photo: Eugene Lee
Hong Kong

Hong Kong officials urge buy-back plan over ‘challenging’ Wang Fuk Court rebuild

Deputy finance chief Michael Wong says legal and ownership issues make rebuilding unfeasible, with buy-back option the fastest, most flexible solution.

7
Hong Kong politics

Hong Kong to step up crackdown on bid-rigging, Legco told – as it happened

City leader John Lee highlights national integration and post-disaster relief work for Wang Fuk Court as key tasks for new Legco and government.

5
Hong Kong

Hong Kong government to replace Tai Po district officer Eunice Chan

Reshuffle not triggered by recent controversy over her choice of attire at firefighter Ho Wai-ho’s funeral but by other complaints, sources say.

Tai Po district officer Eunice Chan at the funeral of firefighter Ho Wai-ho last month. Photo: Dickson Lee
Singapore

Singapore takes stock of lessons from Hong Kong’s Tai Po blaze

The city state will study and incorporate into policy frameworks relevant observations made by the Hong Kong authorities about the fire.

videocam
The Tai Po blaze in Hong Kong, which broke out on November 26 last year, killed 161 people, injured 79 and displaced nearly 5,000 residents. Photo: AFP
Gary Chan Hak-kan

Hong Kong official softens stance on rebuilding homes at Tai Po fire site

Deputy finance chief Michael Wong pledges to take residents’ wishes into account days after saying redevelopment was ‘not practical’.

videocam
5
Hong Kong fires and safety

Exclusive | Hong Kong surveyor’s undeclared role prompts rule review after deadly Tai Po fire

Arrested surveyor’s undeclared link to Wang Fuk Court triggers move from the government to tighten potential conflict of interest rules.

videocam
Hong Kong economy

Opinion | Hong Kong returning to surplus no excuse for splashing budget cash

Northern Metropolis ambitions and Tai Po fire recovery will test the city’s commitment to fiscal prudence.

videocam
Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po gives a speech at the Hong Kong Coalition of Professional Services luncheon at New World Harbour View in Wan Chai on March 11, 2025. Photo: Jonathan Wong
SCMP Exclusives

Exclusive | Hong Kong ‘to release list of 161 fire victims’ as rehousing questions grow

Displaced Wang Fuk Court residents call for clarity about rehousing arrangements, says, saying they have received conflicting information.

The deadly blaze at Wang Fuk Court claimed 161 lives. Photo: Dickson Lee
Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s Legco to discuss post-fire support but question session cancelled

New Legco’s first chamber meeting will also debate lawmaker’s motion calling for review of building maintenance system and crackdown on bid rigging.

Hong Kong fires and safety

Including suppliers in new Hong Kong rules on scaffolding nets ‘overreaching’

Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn also says there is no need for an across-the-board switch from bamboo to metal scaffolding.

videocam
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Help preserve 120 years of quality journalism.
SUPPORT NOW
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement