The devastating fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, an incident that has reportedly claimed 146 lives and left 79 injured, has intensified scrutiny regarding the building’s pre-disaster renovation work, prompting a local official to request a full criminal investigation. District Councillor Peggy Wong Pik-kiu, who previously advised the building’s owners’ corporation during the period the extensive maintenance project was sanctioned, has become the focal point of public ire following the tragedy. The incident has shifted the focus from typical building maintenance disputes to grave allegations of systemic negligence and potential official misconduct.
On Monday, December 1, Councillor Wong, representing Tai Po South for the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB), issued a formal, “solemn statement” announcing her decision to report the matter to law enforcement personally. Wong is seeking an immediate criminal investigation into the actions of the current owners’ corporation, specifically citing potential offenses such as misconduct in public office and the deliberate concealment of safety hazards. Furthermore, she called upon the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) to initiate an independent inquiry into possible corruption linked to the current body responsible for the estate’s management.
Tragic Fire Deemed ‘Man-Made Calamity’
The scale of the disaster has fueled widespread outrage across the territory. In her statement, Wong expressed profound distress over the high casualty count, emphatically characterizing the fire as a “man-made calamity” rather than a natural occurrence. She attributed the tragedy to the long-term neglect of safety standards, stating that it was “the accumulated consequence” of such inaction.
Wong framed the victims’ sacrifice as an urgent alarm for Hong Kong residents regarding building safety and vowed to rigorously pursue accountability. She stressed that she “must not allow their sacrifice to be in vain” and pledged to “pursue accountability to the very end, without leniency.”
The day before her announcement, Wong visited the official condolence venue at the Fu Heng Neighbourhood Community Centre in Tai Po to pay her respects. Accompanied by several individuals, she was observed visibly emotional, wiping away tears, though she declined to answer questions from the press upon departure. During the media scrum, a confrontation occurred when an elderly male companion reportedly used his walking stick to block an i-CABLE News camera and physically push away a microphone, with another individual reportedly shouting at reporters to move aside.
Political Party Defends Against Online Scrutiny
Amid the unfolding crisis and the intense public pressure being directed at its member, the DAB released its own firm statement on Sunday, November 30. The party acknowledged it had been subjected to “numerous online smears and unfounded rumours” concerning its involvement with the Wang Fuk Court situation.
The DAB emphasized that it would cooperate fully with a comprehensive and impartial official investigation. Crucially, the party warned that if any DAB member, including Peggy Wong, were confirmed to have engaged in unlawful conduct, the party “would show no leniency.” They affirmed they would support serious measures taken “in strict accordance with the law and relevant regulations.”
This large-scale disaster and subsequent political and legal maneuvering underscore the urgent need for robust oversight of massive residential building renovations in metropolitan areas, particularly concerning the safety protocols and transparency of owners’ corporations managing public funds and resident welfare. The outcome of the pending investigations will likely set a significant precedent for accountability in major property management and public works projects throughout Hong Kong.