Following the devastating five-alarm fire that swept through Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po last week, Hong Kong police have detained three male executives from the repair contractor overseeing the property. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, November 26, resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries, prompting a major investigation into potential professional negligence contributing to the disaster.
The suspects, identified by their surnames Ho, Hau, and Wong, ranging in age from 52 to 68, are associated with Prestige Construction & Engineering Co., Limited, based in San Po Kong. The group reportedly includes two directors and an engineering consultant involved in the maintenance project at the residential estate. All three were released on bail on Thursday, November 27, pending further inquiries, and are scheduled to report back to law enforcement officials in early December.
Contractor Scrutiny Intensifies
The police operation, spearheaded by the New Territories North Regional Crime Unit, began early Thursday morning with a raid on the contractor’s San Po Kong office. Investigators sealed numerous boxes of documents for seizure around 7:30 a.m. as they sought crucial records relating to the repair works, seeking to establish if severe operational oversight contributed to the fire’s intensity or spread.
Later that afternoon, the investigation expanded across the New Territories. At approximately 1:30 p.m., officers escorted a separate individual—said to be a director and operations manager of the company—to a three-story village house in Ha Mei San Tsuen, Yuen Long. Accompanied by a lawyer, police searched the property and its garage before transporting him back for continued questioning.
Shortly after 3:00 p.m., attention shifted to Ma On Shan. Detectives brought another man, believed to be an authorized signatory for the Wang Fuk Court project, to a residential unit in Mountain Shore at 8 Yuk Tai Street. Following a search operation that concluded by 4:00 p.m., the individual was removed from the scene. The coordinated actions underscore the urgency with which authorities are pursuing accountability following the catastrophic event.
Understanding the Implications
While the cause of the fire remains under official investigation, the arrests suggest that initial findings point toward potential lapses in compliance or construction quality control by the contractor. Residential building fires in Hong Kong often raise serious questions regarding maintenance standards, material safety, and adherence to complex building codes.
For residents across Hong Kong, these events serve as a stark reminder of the critical importance of rigorous safety inspections and the severe consequences of cutting corners in construction or maintenance, particularly in densely populated housing estates. Police will continue their thorough review of the documents seized, scrutinizing contracts, work logs, and safety certifications to determine the precise sequence of failures that led to the tragedy. Further arrests or charges could follow as the investigation progresses.