Following a devastating residential fire, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Chris Sun, confirmed Tuesday that ten foreign domestic helpers perished in the Wang Fuk Court blaze, leaving three injured and approximately 30 still unaccounted for. The tragic event, which occurred at the densely populated estate, involved 235 documented foreign domestic helpers working within the complex.
The loss has prompted an immediate outpouring of grief and community response. Throughout the afternoon, relatives and loved ones of the victims gathered outside the estate, bowing and laying flowers at temporary altars erected near the building entrance to pay their respects to the deceased.
Management Waives Fees Amidst Crisis
In response to the tragedy and its deep impact on the residential community, the property management firm, ISS EastPoint Properties Limited, announced a crucial financial measure in collaboration with the Wang Fuk Court management office. Effective immediately, the company has decided to waive management fees for all property owners.
This comprehensive relief effort includes halting automated payment procedures. The property manager will instruct the Bank of China to suspend all future direct debit collections. Furthermore, owners who had already settled their management fees for December will receive refunds as soon as administrative processes allow. This action aims to alleviate immediate financial burdens on residents grappling with the aftermath of the disaster.
Background on Building Renovations
Wang Fuk Court, managed by ISS EastPoint Properties, has recently been the subject of a significant, large-scale renovation effort. Last year, the property’s Owners’ Corporation had approved a substantial HK$330 million budget designated for the repair and overhaul of the building’s exterior façade.
This critical renovation scheme was structured to be funded in six separate phases. The costs were distributed among the residents, requiring individual households to contribute a considerable sum ranging from approximately HK$160,000 to HK$180,000 each. The timing of the tragedy, set against the backdrop of this major structural investment, adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing investigations.
Urgency in Locating Missing Individuals
While relief measures are being implemented, the immediate priority remains the safety and tracking of the remaining residents. Officials confirmed that 192 foreign domestic helpers employed at the court have been safely accounted for. However, the fate of the remaining 30 individuals who are currently uncontactable is still being determined, leading to significant anxiety within the community and among local authorities.
The government continues to coordinate with rescue teams and social services to provide support for the injured and the families of the deceased. This incident underscores the crucial need for rigorous fire safety inspections and contingency plans in high-density residential buildings across Hong Kong to protect all residents, particularly its vulnerable workforce. Resources for affected families and employers are available through the Labour Department.