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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/

Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Hong Kong society

Residents of fire-hit Wang Fuk Court blocks can retrieve belongings from mid-April

Residents from seven of estate’s eight blocks will be able to return on select dates based on which housing tower they lived in.

5 hours agovideocam

Accidents and personal safety

2 bid-rigging syndicates ‘potentially linked’ to estate destroyed in Tai Po fire

26 Mar 2026 - 10:38PM

Hong Kong

Residents slam ‘shady’ tendering process in Tai Po fire hearing – as it happened

26 Mar 2026 - 7:04PM

Crime in Hong Kong

Watchdog takes legal action against syndicate seeking ‘quarter of renovation market’

Competition Commission targets six undertakings involving eight companies and 12 individuals tied to building maintenance projects worth nearly HK$700 million.

25 Mar 2026 - 9:30PM

Hoi Tao Building in Kennedy Town was among three renovation projects in which bribes were allegedly offered to flat owners. Photo: Google Maps

Hong Kong

Tai Po fire hearing: government rejects assertions surveyors, contractor conspired

Authorities pledge full transparency in inquiry, pledging swift reviews and fair process without pre-empting conclusions.

25 Mar 2026 - 11:26AM

Mainland China

Construction firms agree smoking ban needed, but baulk at HK$400,000 fine

Industry groups back government’s proposed ban on smoking at construction sites, but say contractors that follow guidelines on complying should be exempt.

24 Mar 2026 - 7:59PM

Hong Kong

Residents say there was no alarm as Tai Po blaze broke out - as it happened

One witness breaks into tears as she recounts the chaos of smoke entering her flat, mistaking it for renovation dust before escaping.

24 Mar 2026 - 6:05PM

Legal representatives return for the afternoon session on day three of the hearing. Photo: Elson Li

Hong Kong

Residents of Tai Po blaze building misled over renovation project, inquiry told

Ties among companies bidding for work at Wang Fuk Court also suggest possible under-the-table relationships, independent committee hears.

20 Mar 2026 - 11:46PM

Hong Kong

Day 2 of Tai Po fire hearing sheds light on potential corruption – as it happened

Lead barrister for independent committee discusses potential corruption during tendering process, among other issues.

20 Mar 2026 - 5:49PM

Hong Kong

Deadly Tai Po fire revealed ‘unacceptable systemic failings’, inquiry hears

Six ‘human factors’ led to almost complete failure of fire safety measures at Wang Fuk Court, independent committee told at first session.

20 Mar 2026 - 9:02AMvideocam

Seven blocks at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po were devastated by the fire in November. Photo: Eugene Lee

Hong Kong

Firefighter killed in Tai Po blaze may have entered wrong building, inquiry told

Ho Wai-ho, 37, was among the first firefighters to arrive at the scene of the inferno.

19 Mar 2026 - 10:56PM

The fire at Wang Fuk Court quickly spread to seven buildings. Photo: Eugene Lee

Hong Kong fires and safety

Public hearing outlines 6 key failures behind Tai Po fire – as it happened

Lead barrister Victor Dawes says messages show substandard scaffolding mesh was used by contractors, while a cigarette ‘most likely’ caused the blaze.

20 Mar 2026 - 9:52AM

Hong Kong fires and safety

21 Wang Fuk Court homeowners, residents to give evidence in fire probe

Independent committee set up to investigate deadly fire publishes list of 37 ‘involved parties’ ahead of hearings to collect evidence.

17 Mar 2026 - 6:23PM

Executive Council of Hong Kong

Hong Kong to unveil plans this month for Tai Po fire victims to retrieve items

Chief Executive John Lee pledges support for residents, while vowing full cooperation with committee probe into the deadly blaze.

17 Mar 2026 - 10:03PM

Authorities are finalising plans to let Tai Po fire victims safely return to their damaged flats and collect belongings. Photo: Jelly Tse

Hong Kong

Over 300 Wang Fuk Court homeowners to petition Hong Kong’s John Lee for meeting

Owners demand face-to-face session to address concerns over remaining renovation funds, outstanding fees and building safety.

16 Mar 2026 - 8:41AM

The deadly fire at Wang Fuk Court killed 168 people and displaced nearly 5,000. Photo: Eugene Lee

Hong Kong

Wang Fuk Court residents in resettlement limbo slam ‘unhelpful’ engagement staff

Hongkongers displaced by Tai Po fire say they are frustrated with outreach officers’ failure to answer questions and explain rehousing options.

14 Mar 2026 - 7:00PMvideocam

Hong Kong police

Editorial | Theft arrests highlight urgency of reopening Tai Po fire site to victims

Ultimately, displaced residents’ sense of security hinges on being able to return and assess what was lost, and to then find permanent homes.

12 Mar 2026 - 6:45AM

Hong Kong

Tai Po fire: Hong Kong Red Cross raises HK$530 million for affected residents

Charity says it has ended donation drive and vows no more than 5 per cent of funds will go towards administrative fees.

11 Mar 2026 - 12:04AM

Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po after the deadly blaze. Photo: Eugene Lee

Hong Kong police

Hong Kong police recover credit card amid theft fears at fire-hit Tai Po estate

Suspected misused card found in sealed Wang Fuk Court flat as police tighten security following burglary and arrests of construction workers.

9 Mar 2026 - 7:57PM

Hong Kong

Hong Kong police boost checks at Tai Po fire block after jewellery theft arrests

Workers required to store personal belongings including mobile phones in lockers and not allowed to carry more than HK$500 in cash onto the site.

8 Mar 2026 - 10:31PM

Crime in Hong Kong

3 arrested over theft at Tai Po fire block, HK$90,000 in jewellery seized

Police arrest three workers responsible for structural reinforcement at the estate destroyed in blaze.

6 Mar 2026 - 11:58PM

Workers dismantle bamboo scaffolding at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po last month. Photo: Eugene Lee

Hong Kong

Hong Kong grants HK$6.15 million to family of firefighter killed in Tai Po blaze

Government grant honours bravery of Ho Wai-ho, who died during search and rescue operation at Wang Fuk Court.

6 Mar 2026 - 3:57PM

The family of deceased firefighter Ho Wai-ho will receive HK$6.15 million in financial support. Photo: Eugene Lee

Hong Kong fires and safety

Letters | Hong Kong cannot allow a wait-and-see approach to fire safety

Readers discuss fire safety compliance, palliative care, and the diversity of religious life in Singapore.

2 Mar 2026 - 11:30AM

Hong Kong

Hi-tech aids proposed to help elderly climb stairs to fire-ravaged Tai Po flats

Wang Fuk Court residents will soon be allowed to check their flats and collect personal items but lifts remain inoperative.

28 Feb 2026 - 11:03PMvideocam

Hong Kong

Residents of fire-ravaged Wang Fuk Court can retrieve belongings from late April

Deputy Chief Secretary Warner Cheuk says two-month preparatory period will prioritise safety with access granted in stages.

26 Feb 2026 - 10:35PM

The fire last November tore through seven of the eight residential towers at the estate. Photo: Jelly Tse

Hong Kong

Hong Kong fire department to review strategies following Tai Po inferno

New steering committee within Fire Services Department will evaluate operational strategies.

24 Feb 2026 - 11:55PM

The Wang Fuk Court blaze tore through seven residential buildings. Photo: Eugene Lee

Hong Kong society

Spirit of Hong Kong Awards: John Lee hails ‘role models’ as firefighters feted

Sa’diyya Nesar wins the Lion Rock People’s Choice Award for her work in promoting disability inclusion.

25 Feb 2026 - 1:12AM

Hong Kong housing

Editorial | Buy-back plan offers Hong Kong’s fire-hit homeowners a fresh start

Generous pricing and a flat-exchange pledge make this settlement package a swift and practical solution for affected households.

24 Feb 2026 - 7:15AM

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Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Residents of fire-hit Wang Fuk Court blocks can retrieve belongings from mid-April

Residents from seven of estate’s eight blocks will be able to return on select dates based on which housing tower they lived in.

2 bid-rigging syndicates ‘potentially linked’ to estate destroyed in Tai Po fire

Residents slam ‘shady’ tendering process in Tai Po fire hearing – as it happened

Watchdog takes legal action against syndicate seeking ‘quarter of renovation market’

Competition Commission targets six undertakings involving eight companies and 12 individuals tied to building maintenance projects worth nearly HK$700 million.

Tai Po fire hearing: government rejects assertions surveyors, contractor conspired

Authorities pledge full transparency in inquiry, pledging swift reviews and fair process without pre-empting conclusions.

Construction firms agree smoking ban needed, but baulk at HK$400,000 fine

Industry groups back government’s proposed ban on smoking at construction sites, but say contractors that follow guidelines on complying should be exempt.

Residents say there was no alarm as Tai Po blaze broke out - as it happened

One witness breaks into tears as she recounts the chaos of smoke entering her flat, mistaking it for renovation dust before escaping.

Residents of Tai Po blaze building misled over renovation project, inquiry told

Ties among companies bidding for work at Wang Fuk Court also suggest possible under-the-table relationships, independent committee hears.

Day 2 of Tai Po fire hearing sheds light on potential corruption – as it happened

Lead barrister for independent committee discusses potential corruption during tendering process, among other issues.

Deadly Tai Po fire revealed ‘unacceptable systemic failings’, inquiry hears

Six ‘human factors’ led to almost complete failure of fire safety measures at Wang Fuk Court, independent committee told at first session.

Firefighter killed in Tai Po blaze may have entered wrong building, inquiry told

Ho Wai-ho, 37, was among the first firefighters to arrive at the scene of the inferno.

Public hearing outlines 6 key failures behind Tai Po fire – as it happened

Lead barrister Victor Dawes says messages show substandard scaffolding mesh was used by contractors, while a cigarette ‘most likely’ caused the blaze.

21 Wang Fuk Court homeowners, residents to give evidence in fire probe

Independent committee set up to investigate deadly fire publishes list of 37 ‘involved parties’ ahead of hearings to collect evidence.

Hong Kong to unveil plans this month for Tai Po fire victims to retrieve items

Chief Executive John Lee pledges support for residents, while vowing full cooperation with committee probe into the deadly blaze.

Over 300 Wang Fuk Court homeowners to petition Hong Kong’s John Lee for meeting

Owners demand face-to-face session to address concerns over remaining renovation funds, outstanding fees and building safety.

Wang Fuk Court residents in resettlement limbo slam ‘unhelpful’ engagement staff

Hongkongers displaced by Tai Po fire say they are frustrated with outreach officers’ failure to answer questions and explain rehousing options.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Editorial | Theft arrests highlight urgency of reopening Tai Po fire site to victims

Ultimately, displaced residents’ sense of security hinges on being able to return and assess what was lost, and to then find permanent homes.

Tai Po fire: Hong Kong Red Cross raises HK$530 million for affected residents

Charity says it has ended donation drive and vows no more than 5 per cent of funds will go towards administrative fees.

Hong Kong police recover credit card amid theft fears at fire-hit Tai Po estate

Suspected misused card found in sealed Wang Fuk Court flat as police tighten security following burglary and arrests of construction workers.

Hong Kong police boost checks at Tai Po fire block after jewellery theft arrests

Workers required to store personal belongings including mobile phones in lockers and not allowed to carry more than HK$500 in cash onto the site.

3 arrested over theft at Tai Po fire block, HK$90,000 in jewellery seized

Police arrest three workers responsible for structural reinforcement at the estate destroyed in blaze.

Hong Kong grants HK$6.15 million to family of firefighter killed in Tai Po blaze

Government grant honours bravery of Ho Wai-ho, who died during search and rescue operation at Wang Fuk Court.

.css-19im5qg{color:#c79a00;}Letters | Hong Kong cannot allow a wait-and-see approach to fire safety

Readers discuss fire safety compliance, palliative care, and the diversity of religious life in Singapore.

Hi-tech aids proposed to help elderly climb stairs to fire-ravaged Tai Po flats

Wang Fuk Court residents will soon be allowed to check their flats and collect personal items but lifts remain inoperative.

Residents of fire-ravaged Wang Fuk Court can retrieve belongings from late April

Deputy Chief Secretary Warner Cheuk says two-month preparatory period will prioritise safety with access granted in stages.

Hong Kong fire department to review strategies following Tai Po inferno

New steering committee within Fire Services Department will evaluate operational strategies.

Spirit of Hong Kong Awards: John Lee hails ‘role models’ as firefighters feted

Sa’diyya Nesar wins the Lion Rock People’s Choice Award for her work in promoting disability inclusion.

Editorial | Buy-back plan offers Hong Kong’s fire-hit homeowners a fresh start

Generous pricing and a flat-exchange pledge make this settlement package a swift and practical solution for affected households.

Editorial | Theft arrests highlight urgency of reopening Tai Po fire site to victims

Letters | Hong Kong cannot allow a wait-and-see approach to fire safety