Following the devastating No. 5 alarm fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, which resulted in significant casualties and resident displacement, Hong Kong authorities are accelerating efforts across multiple fronts, focusing on relief, recovery, and a rigorous investigation into construction site safety practices. On Sunday, a government spokesperson confirmed that three dedicated task forces, spearheaded by the Chief Secretary, Deputy Chief Secretary, and Deputy Financial Secretary, are coordinating relief operations and comprehensive safety probes. This heightened scrutiny led to the immediate cessation of maintenance work at a Sham Shui Po estate after the discovery of unauthorized fire hazards.
Immediate Action Taken at Sham Shui Po Estate
During a targeted inspection operation, the Housing Bureau’s Independent Review Team found that temporary plastic boards had been utilized to cover windows at Yee Kok Court in Sham Shui Po during ongoing maintenance. This materials usage is strongly suspected of posing a fire risk, mirroring issues potentially contributing to the rapid spread of the Tai Po blaze. The registered contractor received an immediate directive to remove the plastic panels. Furthermore, the bureau announced it would seek legal counsel to determine the feasibility of prosecution against the contractor.
As a precaution, the review team mandated a temporary halt to all works at the Yee Kok Court site. The contractor must now commission an independent safety audit of its project management systems, submit a comprehensive rectification plan based on the audit findings, and implement all required safety improvements. Resumption of work will only be considered once authorities deem the site’s safety system effective and compliant.
Territory-Wide Inspections Yield Warnings and Prosecutions
Concurrent with the Housing Bureau’s review, the Buildings Department (BD) and the Labour Department (LD) have launched extensive, targeted inspections across the territory.
As of Sunday, the BD had inspected 319 buildings undergoing external wall repairs, specifically sampling protective netting materials. While previous inspections identified two buildings with unauthorized plastic window coverings—which are currently being removed under government order—the BD reported no additional cases involving illegal foam or plastic panels sealing windows during this latest sweep.
Meanwhile, the Labour Department initiated a rigorous enforcement blitz beginning November 28, focusing on fire safety provisions and emergency preparedness at construction sites featuring extensive scaffolding. Verification concentrated on ensuring protective mesh adhered to certified flame-retardant standards. By Sunday, the LD had inspected 51 sites, resulting in:
- 45 written warnings issued.
- 12 improvement notices issued.
- Two prosecutions initiated.
Focus on Structural Integrity and Prevention
The investigation into the Wang Fuk Court disaster strongly suggests that foam used to seal windows and non-compliant scaffolding sheeting may have contributed to the fire’s intensity. In response, the Government announced its firm commitment on Thursday to expedite the transition from traditional bamboo scaffolding to metal alternatives across the construction sector.
The main contractor for the Wang Fuk Court repair program, Prestige Construction & Engineering Co., Limited, has been ordered by the Housing Bureau to cease all operations immediately under the Buildings Ordinance.
Structural assessments at the fire-damaged estate are ongoing. By 5 p.m. Sunday, the Housing Bureau’s review team, supported by over 100 Housing Department professionals, had inspected more than 1,500 flats across several blocks. Preliminary professional findings indicate that, despite the visible damage, there is “no immediate danger” to the overall structural integrity of the buildings examined. However, emergency repair contractors have been deployed to stabilize a small number of units that sustained more serious structural damage, facilitating prompt entry for police and fire services personnel to conduct evidence collection and investigation. These integrated safety and recovery efforts underscore the government’s commitment to accountability and tightening construction safety standards nationwide.