Fatal Blaze Engulfs Hong Kong Housing Estate Amid Extensive Renovations
A devastating No. 5 alarm fire ripped through the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Tai Poon, Hong Kong, on Wednesday, November 26, claiming at least 13 lives, including a firefighter, and leaving numerous others injured. The catastrophic incident, which began on the exterior scaffolding of Wang Cheong House, rapidly spread across adjoining residential blocks, Wang Tai House and Wang Sun House, highlighting critical safety concerns surrounding the sprawling and contentious renovation work underway at the public housing estate.
The fire struck an estate already grappling with a lengthy and disputed overhaul process. Documentation from the Wang Fuk Court owners’ committee confirms that a major, multi-phase renovation commenced over a year ago in July last year with Prestige Construction & Engineering Co., Limited serving as the main contractor. Original schedules had designated scaffold removal in phases beginning in March next year, but significant delays meant extensive temporary structures remained in place at the time of the deadly conflagration.
The roots of the project date back to January last year when the previous owners’ corporation approved a costly HK$330 million refurbishment plan for the eight-block, 1,984-flat complex. The mandatory financial contribution, requiring owners to pay between HK$160,000 and HK$180,000 each in six bi-monthly installments, provoked widespread dissent. Utilizing provisions within the Building Management Ordinance, disgruntled owners successfully convened a special general meeting, leading to the dramatic removal of the long-serving corporation in September and the subsequent installation of a new management committee.
The newly elected committee promised greater oversight, contracting transparency, and joint project monitoring with residents. Records indicate scaffold-related works—covering expansive tasks like rooftop solar panel reconstruction, window cornices, and plastering—had significantly prolonged the project timeline. Following the installation of the new committee, an acceleration of the refurbishments was promised, with Phase One scaffold removal at Wang Cheong House, Wang Shing House, and Wang Chi House newly targeted for between March and April next year.
Forewarning signs regarding safety procedures had reportedly surfaced prior to the blaze. Minutes from a meeting last year documented resident complaints regarding construction workers smoking while operating on-site. Furthermore, parts of the temporary scaffold structure required emergency reinforcement and repair in early October after sustaining damage from Super Typhoon Ragasa.
Structural Implications and Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the precise ignition source of the fire and to assess whether the substantial scaffolding and continuous renovation activities contributed to the rapid and lethal spread of the blaze across the complex. The use of highly flammable materials, potential breaches in construction site fire safety protocols, and the management of extensive scaffolding in dense urban environments are expected to be central focuses of the inquiry.
The tragic event at Wang Fuk Court underscores the critical need for rigorous safety enforcement during protracted urban renewal projects, particularly in densely populated vertical communities. This incident serves as a stringent reminder for owners’ corporations, contractors, and regulatory bodies to prioritize resident safety, adhere strictly to fire code compliance, and ensure transparent communication regarding project timelines and site safety management during large-scale building works in Hong Kong.