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Hong Kong fires and safety

Hong Kong fires and safety
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Hong Kong fires and safety. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
The devastating Wang Fuk Court blaze claimed 168 lives last November. Photo: Sam Tsang
Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Senior civil servants to face scrutiny in Hong Kong blaze inquiry

Senior civil servants and department heads among witnesses to be cross-examined by an independent committee as victims demand accountability.

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Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Wang Fuk Court survivors hit out at ‘bureaucratic’ process for URA subsidies

Hong Kong society

Hong Kong to consider HK$3,000 fixed penalty for smoking on construction sites

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Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

85% of insurance claims related to Tai Po fire settled, totalling HK$510 million

Hong Kong’s Insurance Authority says insurers have settled more than 1,000 claims related to damages caused by deadly blaze last November.

A man in Tai Po’s Yuen Chau Tsai Park, with the charred buildings of Wang Fuk Court in the background. Photo: Elson Li
Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Small Hong Kong firms struggling with scaffold net safety costs: contractor

‘Bigger contractors can usually handle the testing process … But for small and medium-sized firms with only one or two projects, it’s much harder,’ representative says.

Hong Kong society

My Take | Tai Po fire victims are not being served well by the inaction on class actions

It has been two decades since moves began to bring such cases to Hong Kong. Any resolution will likely come too late for Wang Fuk Court residents.

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US-China trade war

Trump slams allies’ China ties, top generals fall, cross-strait talks

This week: US president says ‘very dangerous’ for UK to boost China ties, two top Chinese generals face corruption probes, and gold surges. Next week: Communist Party and Taiwan’s Kuomintang resume forum after 10 years, Uruguay president visits China, Shanghai opens skies to drones and more.

US President Donald Trump speaks to reporters at the premiere of Melania. (Photo: Zuma Press Wire/dpa)
Hong Kong

Video | Tai Po fire widow wants answers and accountability

Christy Lee lost her home and her husband to Hong Kong’s deadliest blaze in decades.

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

4 still in hospital, 75 discharged after Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire

‘All those injured in the fire and admitted to public hospitals under the Hospital Authority will receive full fee waivers for necessary treatment,’ spokesman says.

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Editorial | Hong Kong must tackle the long-standing lapses that led to Tai Po fire

The deep-rooted problems in building management, including bid-rigging, inflated costs and slack supervision, must be resolved once and for all.

Workers remove damaged bamboo scaffolding at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, on January 21. Photo: Sam Tsang
Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Hong Kong to test firefighting drones in pilot scheme

Authorities turn to new technology as part of efforts to enhance fire safety following the deadly Tai Po blaze.

Drones being used to inspect the buildings at Wang Fuk Court in the aftermath of the deadly Tai Po blaze. Authorities will test how this technology can be used in a firefighting capacity. Photo: Eugene Lee
Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

John Lee weighs ‘all options’ amid feedback from flat owners hit by Tai Po fire

Hong Kong leader says government is analysing feedback from 90 per cent of homeowners affected by the blaze that killed 168 and displaced nearly 5,000.

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Hong Kong housing

Hong Kong extends building inspection deadline for contractor conviction checks

Some records are ‘definitely quite severe’ and include prosecutions for corruption and bribery, development chief Bernadette Linn says.

Hong Kong

Letters | Hong Kong should build a lasting foundation for stronger fire safety

Readers discuss ways to enhance an inspection operation, the survival of cinemas, and the plight of subdivided-flat tenants.

A fire service installation around a building in Sai Ying Pun on December 3. Photo: Dickson Lee
Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

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.

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’s Tai Po fire tragedy

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.

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.

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Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

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.

Around HK$1.2 billion of the support fund has been distributed to affected Wang Fuk Court residents. Photo: Karma Lo
Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

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.

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

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.

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

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.

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Industry leaders say Hong Kong’s reforms in the wake of the Tai po fire are a start, but lack detail on inspections and contractor transparency. Photo: Sam Tsang
Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

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

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.

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Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

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.

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Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

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.

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Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong Wai-lun believes a cash buy-back option is the “fastest and most flexible” solution for displaced Wang Fuk Court residents. Photo: Sam Tsang
Accidents and personal safety

Burning mugwort linked to flat fire that killed elderly Hong Kong man

Firefighters say 78-year-old victim had a habit of burning mugwort.

The fire at Kwai Chung housing estate led to the death of a 78-year-old resident. Photo: Handout
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.

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Accidents and personal safety

Man fights for life after jumping from Hong Kong flat following gas blast

Police say man, 42, had changed gas cylinder in the morning but tube was not fixed correctly, with a spark in the evening causing blast.

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