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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/

Workers remove the damaged bamboo scaffolding in Wang Fuk Court at Tai Po. Photo: SCMP / Sam Tsang

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.

31 Jan 2026 - 11:08PM

US-China trade war

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

30 Jan 2026 - 5:01PM

Hong Kong

Video | Tai Po fire widow wants answers and accountability

30 Jan 2026 - 12:05PM

Crime in Hong Kong

Hong Kong cracks down on alleged HK$700 million renovation bid-rigging syndicate

Competition Commission-led operation marks watchdog’s first major enforcement action since deadly Tai Po blaze last November.

30 Jan 2026 - 12:11AM

The watchdog’s raid on Wednesday and Thursday targeted 27 premises including the offices of 14 companies. Photo: Handout

Hong Kong fires and safety

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.

29 Jan 2026 - 5:25PM

Hong Kong

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.

29 Jan 2026 - 7:15AM

Hong Kong fires and safety

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.

28 Jan 2026 - 7:36PM

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 society

Workers protest over unpaid wages for renovation linked to Tai Po fire contractor

At least 15 workers hold banners and chant slogans outside Baguio Villa in Hong Kong’s Pok Fu Lam, with two scaling scaffolding.

28 Jan 2026 - 8:07PM

Hong Kong

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.

27 Jan 2026 - 9:55PM

Hong Kong politics

Hong Kong minister Erick Tsang resigns, reveals prostate cancer fears

City leader John Lee dismisses speculation about more principal official departures, says his cabinet ‘shares his philosophy’ and has met expectations.

27 Jan 2026 - 8:57PM

Chief Executive John Lee (left) and Erick Tsang. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Hong Kong housing

Opinion | A home is more than a price tag. Hong Kong must remember this

Policymakers confronting the city’s ageing building stock should respect residents’ wishes and protect their interests.

25 Jan 2026 - 5:48PMvideocam

The fire-damaged Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, seen on January 13. Photo: Sam Tsang

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.

24 Jan 2026 - 7:38PM

Hong Kong courts

Why delayed reform stands in the way of class-action lawsuit over Hong Kong fire

Tai Po inferno prompts calls from legal experts for authorities to press ahead with long-stalled proposal on collective legal action.

25 Jan 2026 - 12:39AM

Crime in Hong Kong

Can Hong Kong find quick fixes for corruption in building maintenance sector?

Bid-rigging practices are back in spotlight following deadly Tai Po blaze but how widespread is the problem and how do syndicates work?

27 Jan 2026 - 8:31PMvideocam

Hong Kong politics

No Hong Kong cabinet reshuffle until Tai Po blaze probe wraps up: sources

Speculation is swirling that two ministers are leaving their cabinet appointments.

22 Jan 2026 - 9:38PM

John Lee has pledged to pursue full accountability of the city’s deadliest fire in decades. Photo: Eugene Lee

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.

21 Jan 2026 - 9:22PM

Hong Kong

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

At ‘direction conference’ on February 5, committee chairman Justice David Lok will provide guidance on arrangements for coming hearings.

20 Jan 2026 - 9:44PM

Hong Kong

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

Committee members seek explanation as housing secretary says site is ‘good choice’ for resettling residents of fire-hit Wang Fuk Court.

19 Jan 2026 - 8:46PM

The plot of public housing land on Chung Nga Road West could serve as a potential site to rehouse residents from Wang Fuk Court. Photo: Karma Lo

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.

19 Jan 2026 - 11:31PM

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.

19 Jan 2026 - 8:42PM

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.

19 Jan 2026 - 9:30AM

Lawmakers attend the first meeting of the 8th Legislative Council in Admiralty on January 14. Photo: Eugene Lee

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.

19 Jan 2026 - 12:32AM

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.

17 Jan 2026 - 9:16PM

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.

17 Jan 2026 - 9:00AM

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.

16 Jan 2026 - 10:50PM

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.

16 Jan 2026 - 7:15AM

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.

16 Jan 2026 - 4:13AM

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.

23 Jan 2026 - 4:56PMvideocam

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Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}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.

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

.css-rcruog{color:#C79A00;}Video | Tai Po fire widow wants answers and accountability

Hong Kong cracks down on alleged HK$700 million renovation bid-rigging syndicate

Competition Commission-led operation marks watchdog’s first major enforcement action since deadly Tai Po blaze last November.

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.

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.

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.

Workers protest over unpaid wages for renovation linked to Tai Po fire contractor

At least 15 workers hold banners and chant slogans outside Baguio Villa in Hong Kong’s Pok Fu Lam, with two scaling scaffolding.

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.

Hong Kong minister Erick Tsang resigns, reveals prostate cancer fears

City leader John Lee dismisses speculation about more principal official departures, says his cabinet ‘shares his philosophy’ and has met expectations.

Opinion | A home is more than a price tag. Hong Kong must remember this

Policymakers confronting the city’s ageing building stock should respect residents’ wishes and protect their interests.

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.

Why delayed reform stands in the way of class-action lawsuit over Hong Kong fire

Tai Po inferno prompts calls from legal experts for authorities to press ahead with long-stalled proposal on collective legal action.

Can Hong Kong find quick fixes for corruption in building maintenance sector?

Bid-rigging practices are back in spotlight following deadly Tai Po blaze but how widespread is the problem and how do syndicates work?

No Hong Kong cabinet reshuffle until Tai Po blaze probe wraps up: sources

Speculation is swirling that two ministers are leaving their cabinet appointments.

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.

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

At ‘direction conference’ on February 5, committee chairman Justice David Lok will provide guidance on arrangements for coming hearings.

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

Committee members seek explanation as housing secretary says site is ‘good choice’ for resettling residents of fire-hit Wang Fuk Court.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Video | Tai Po fire widow wants answers and accountability

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