Exclusive | Hong Kong steps up probes, crackdown on firms linked to Wang Fuk Court blaze
Investigation into blaze that killed at least 160 people focuses on complex web of liability involving project’s key stakeholders
The probes follow last month’s blaze at Tai Po’s Wang Fuk Court housing estate, which killed at least 160 people, including a firefighter, and left nearly 5,000 homeless. Six people remain uncontactable.
Searches by the Post have revealed the specific professional licences held by the companies and directors now under scrutiny or under arrest. The investigations focus on a complex web of liability involving the project’s key stakeholders.
Project consultant Will Power Architects Company was a key player, alongside main contractor Prestige Construction and Engineering, property manager ISS EastPoint Properties and the estate’s owners’ corporation. Subcontractors such as Victory Fire Engineering were responsible for maintaining the estate’s fire safety systems.
Citing its handbook, the URA said that when registered companies became the subject of complaints or “negative mass media reports” involving arrests or hearings by law enforcement agencies, the ICAC or the Competition Commission over declared violations, convictions or disciplinary records, the authority “will revoke their registrations”.