Following the devastating five-alarm Wang Fuk Court fire in Tai Po, Hong Kong authorities today confirmed the immense loss of life and announced an official period of mourning, while the independent anti-corruption agency initiated a major investigation into the building’s maintenance. As of 8 p.m. on November 28, the fatality count from the conflagration stood at 128, with 79 people sustaining injuries and approximately 200 residents tragically unaccounted for, according to Secretary for Security Chris Tang. Hospital Authority reports indicate that among the 42 admitted patients, 11 remain in critical condition, 21 are serious, and 10 are stable, with 37 individuals having been discharged.
Community Mobilizes Amid Official Mourning
In the wake of the disaster, the government outlined solemn measures to honor the victims. Chief Executive John Lee is scheduled to lead a three-minute silence at 8 a.m. on November 29 at the Government Headquarters. A period of official mourning will run from November 29 through December 1, during which national and regional flags at all government buildings, facilities, and overseas offices will fly at half-mast. Non-essential public activities involving principal officials have been canceled, alongside the postponement or cancellation of government-organized or subsidized celebratory and entertainment events. Condolence books are available daily across all 18 districts for public signing between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.
The community response has been swift and generous, with corporate and public donors contributing over HK$800 million toward relief efforts. Volunteers continue to organize and distribute vital supplies—from food to daily necessities—at the concourse of Kwong Fuk Estate in Tai Po, which has been segmented into zones to efficiently support affected residents. On-site counseling services have also been established to provide immediate mental health support.
The seriousness of the tragedy also impacted major regional events. Organizers of the upcoming National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the National Special Olympic Games announced the immediate cancellation of the joint Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao torch relay and opening ceremony. A scaled-down closing function is now planned following the conclusion of the competitions.
ICAC Targets Alleged Corruption in Renovations
Separately, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) launched a comprehensive investigation into suspected corruption related to major renovation works performed at Wang Fuk Court. On November 28, ICAC officers executed search warrants at 13 locations, seizing banking records and project documents as part of their inquiry. The operation resulted in the arrest of eight individuals—seven men and one woman, aged between 40 and 63—suspected of involvement in fraudulent activities.
Those detained include high-level figures across the project’s supply chain:
- Two directors of the project consultancy firm.
- Two project managers responsible for site supervision.
- Three subcontractors involved in scaffolding works, including a couple who own a related firm.
- One intermediary.
The suspects, who were apprehended across multiple districts, are currently being held for further investigation. The arrests highlight potential negligence or malfeasance that may have exacerbated the catastrophic fire, signaling a determined effort by authorities to hold responsible parties to account. As identification efforts continue, authorities caution that the final death toll may tragically rise.