Hong Kong authorities are accelerating a comprehensive, multi-faceted relief and recovery effort following the devastating Wang Fuk Court fire in Tai Po, mobilizing substantial financial aid, expanded social welfare, and intensive investigation measures. On December 9, 2025, the government announced the establishment of three dedicated task forces addressing the ongoing crisis—focusing on investigation, emergency support, and accommodation—while rapidly deploying nearly HK$3.3 billion to fund long-term recovery and increasing direct payments to affected residents.
Financial Support and Housing Ramps Up
The Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court, bolstered by a HK$300 million government seed capital and approximately HK$3 billion in public donations, is now positioned to finance home restoration and provide sustained support for victims. Recognizing the immense need, authorities doubled the living allowance for affected households from HK$50,000 to HK$100,000, with 1,617 cases already processed. Furthermore, families who lost loved ones are receiving a HK$200,000 solidarity payment alongside HK$50,000 for funeral expenses, with disbursements underway for 106 confirmed cases.
Accommodation continues to be a priority, coordinated by the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau, which has placed 1,431 residents in youth hostels, camps, and hotels. An additional 2,530 residents have secured lodgings in transitional housing units arranged by the Housing Bureau or in units provided by the Hong Kong Housing Society. Social workers from the Social Welfare Department (SWD) have proactively contacted over 1,970 households, registering more than 4,900 residents under a dedicated “one social worker per household” follow-up scheme. Temporary shelters in Tai Po and Tung Cheong Street remain operational until all occupants transition to arranged emergency housing.
Investigations Confirm Escalating Toll
The grim task of identifying victims continues. The Disaster Victim Identification Unit (DVIU) finished initial searches in safe zones and near collapsed scaffolding, recovering suspected human remains. Subsequent examinations confirmed that one set of remains belonged to two individuals, tragically raising the confirmed death toll to 160. Of these, 120 sets of remains have been identified. Police are now conducting DNA oral swab sampling in batches with families who have reported missing persons or tentatively identified victims from photographs to facilitate scientific verification.
The Inter-departmental Fire Investigation Task Force is advancing inquiries into the fire’s cause. The Fire Services Department installed a rope access system on Wang Tai House’s podium, allowing search teams to access the underground pump room for further DVIU operations in hard-to-reach areas.
Regulatory Crackdown and Medical Status
The disaster prompted a widening regulatory response across construction and public housing infrastructure. The Housing Bureau’s Independent Checking Unit (ICU) expanded its concrete core sampling across all seven blocks of Wang Fuk Court. Furthermore, the ICU has overseen the removal of unauthorized miscellaneous items previously found on scaffolding at four other Home Ownership Scheme courts and one Tenants Purchase Scheme estate.
The Buildings Department (BD) reported that all external scaffold nets at 230 private buildings were removed as previously ordered. The BD plans to announce new measures this week requiring scaffold nets to be certified compliant before installation, aiming to resume external wall works promptly and safely. Separately, the Labour Department inspected 371 construction sites, issuing 189 written warnings and initiating 25 prosecutions for safety lapses.
In a positive update, the Hospital Authority (HA) confirmed that all 24 patients remaining hospitalized from the Tai Po fire are now in stable condition, with the previously serious patient having stabilized. Seventy-nine victims received treatment in public hospitals, and 55 have been discharged. Essential medical fees for all Wang Fuk Court residents will be fully waived until December 31, 2026, covering inpatient care, specialist services, and psychological support to assist recovery from the trauma.
Meanwhile, an online platform established via a government-IT sector partnership is managing in-kind donations, including food, clothing, and electrical appliances. Over 16,000 donated items have been delivered as authorities match supplies with assessed community needs. Residents needing contact with social workers are urged to call 182 183.