Following the devastating five-alarm Wang Fuk Court residential fire in Tai Po, Hong Kong, which tragically claimed at least 128 lives and injured 83 others on November 26, 2025, a rapidly organized resident advocacy group abruptly ceased operations after police detained one of its purported leaders. The online entity, known as the “Wang Fuk Court Fire Concern Group,” had published four significant community demands and launched a public petition, which was subsequently removed today, November 29, 2025, alongside the group’s social media presence.
Community Response and Activism
The catastrophic blaze, one of the deadliest in recent Hong Kong history, has galvanized city-wide attention and profound grief. In the days following the event, mourners have established a makeshift tribute site at the neighboring Kwong Fuk Estate, silently bowing as they lay floral tributes for the victims.
Amidst the sorrow, the self-styled Concern Group mobilized swiftly, outlining key public actions they believed necessary for survivors and the wider community. Their platform focused on comprehensive support and accountability, specifically requesting:
- Immediate and proper rehousing and sustained welfare support for all displaced and affected survivors.
- An independent investigation into allegations of improper benefit transfers connected to recent construction or maintenance works at the building.
- A rigorous review of the government’s existing construction oversight and mandatory building inspection regimes.
- Formation of an independent commission of inquiry to ensure comprehensive accountability across all levels.
Leaflets detailing these four demands were reportedly circulated near the Tai Po Market Station on the evening of November 28. The associated online petition quickly gathered momentum, securing over 10,000 signatures before it was taken offline today.
Police Action Halts Advocacy
Sources confirm that police detained a man today who is understood to be one of the founders or primary organizers of the short-lived advocacy group, taking him to a police station for processing. The specifics regarding the grounds for the individual’s detention have not been officially disclosed.
Immediately following the action, the Concern Group dissolved its public presence. Both the online petition, which had surpassed the 10,000 signature mark, and the group’s social media platforms were deactivated, effectively silencing the organized community lobbying effort.
Focus Shifts to Official Inquiry
The immediate suppression of the non-governmental advocacy effort highlights the sensitivity and high stakes surrounding the ongoing official investigations into the cause of the deadly fire and the structural or regulatory failures that may have contributed to the immense casualty count.
While the community advocates made specific calls for an independent commission, authorities are expected to proceed with established government inquiry procedures. The focus will now fall on official channels to provide transparent findings regarding the building’s condition, maintenance history, any alleged corruption, and the emergency response protocols. For the displaced residents and bereaved families, securing long-term housing solutions and adequate compensation remains an immediate and urgent necessity. The speed and scope of the official support offered will be closely scrutinized by a city still reeling from the tragedy.