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Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Latest news and updates on the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district that killed 168 people, including a firefighter. Scores of people were also hurt.

Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po

Bank of China account: 012 8752 190 1597

Hong Kong Red Cross

https://www.redcross.org.hk/en/index.html

Operation Santa Claus Emergency Appeal

https://oschk.org/

Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council

https://www.skhwc.org.hk/en/

Hong Kong Family Welfare Society

https://www.hkfws.org.hk/en/home

Po Leung Kuk

https://www.poleungkuk.org.hk/en

Feeding Hong Kong

https://feedinghk.org/

The Tai Po fire, which broke out on November 26 last year, killed 168 people and displaced about 5,000 residents. Photo: Sam Tsang

Hong Kong society

Government ‘confident’ that 75% of Wang Chi House owners will take buy-back offer

Official cites earlier survey showing 77 per cent keen on deal, with few expected to change their mind about signing letter of acceptance by June 30.

15 minutes ago

Hong Kong

45% of fire safety shutdowns run past new 2-month cap after Tai Po blaze

2 hours ago

Hong Kong fires and safety

What to leave? Returning Wang Fuk Court residents stuck with tough decisions

3 hours agovideocam

Accidents and personal safety

Tai Po fire: tendering system can’t stop firms manipulating market, inquiry told

Urban Renewal Authority officials tell hearing that body lacks resources to combat bid-rigging linked to estates’ renovation projects.

1 May 2026 - 9:06AM

Peter Wong (centre), the URA’s director of building rehabilitation, was among those who testified at the hearing on Thursday. Photo: Edmond So

Hong Kong fires and safety

Wang Fuk Court resident finds charred HK$100,000 inheritance after opening safe

Another resident of fire-ravaged estate also discovers HK$100,000 in charred banknotes after returning under government scheme.

30 Apr 2026 - 9:40PM

Tai Po fire probe: URA’s Smart Tender system creates ‘false sense of security’

URA director says independent consultants it hires cannot intervene if contractors collude to recommend unnecessary renovation works.

30 Apr 2026 - 5:00PM

Hong Kong politics

Will top Hong Kong civil servants pay price for blunders under new system?

Former ministers, senior officials and observers point to practical challenges of attributing responsibility.

30 Apr 2026 - 3:24PM

Hong Kong fires and safety

Editorial | More light is shed on Tai Po fire trauma and systemic failures

As returning residents share images of their charred homes, the inquiry shines a light on systemic flaws that contributed to the tragedy.

30 Apr 2026 - 6:45AM

Good Schools Guide

How parents can help their children deal with grief after the Tai Po tragedy

Coverage of the Wang Fuk Court fire could affect most children, but how they display their feelings may differ depending on age, culture and other factors.

30 Apr 2026 - 6:00AM

Hong Kong housing

Video | Resident returns to flat razed by Tai Po fire

Wang Tai House will remain open for residents until May 4, with access restricted to five floors each day.

29 Apr 2026 - 6:03PM

Hong Kong

Sisters aim for fresh start after ‘saying goodbye’ to ruined Wang Fuk Court flat

Some residents grapple with loss of belongings and condition of their homes on their return to Wang Tai House and Wang Kin House.

30 Apr 2026 - 12:00AMvideocam

Residents of Wang Tai House and Wang Kin House return to their flats to salvage their belongings. Photo: Elson Li

Hong Kong

Challenges ahead for Wang Fuk Court homeowners who reject buy-back offer

Residents of sole block spared in Tai Po fire face steep maintenance costs, and government could use laws to acquire flats, official says.

29 Apr 2026 - 5:19PM

Hong Kong

Initial support for HK$1 billion buyback of block unscathed in Tai Po blaze

Nearly 80 per cent of Wang Chi House homeowners willing to sell, with buy-back of tower to cost about HK$1 billion, deputy financial secretary says.

29 Apr 2026 - 12:09AM

Accidents and personal safety

Fire risks not spotted due to old inspection guidelines, Tai Po blaze inquiry told

Government surveyors were following outdated guidelines that didn’t require them to examine renovation works in person at Wang Fuk Court, committee hears.

28 Apr 2026 - 12:27AMvideocam

A block at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. The residential complex was undergoing renovation when the fire broke out last November. Photo: Jelly Tse

Hong Kong

Families of helpers who died in Tai Po fire struggle to break news to kids

Workers’ rights NGO says some families have also been targeted by scammers or descended into disputes over victims’ compensation payouts.

27 Apr 2026 - 7:36PM

The brother of Desy Widyana keeps a picture of his late sister in his mobile phone case. Photo: Tang Hoi-yan

Hong Kong

Claims of no foam material regulations ‘unacceptable’, Tai Po fire probe hears

Buildings Department can act against contractors over ‘inappropriate’ use of materials but Wang Fuk Court not under its purview, witness says.

27 Apr 2026 - 5:36PM

Hong Kong politics

Opinion | Hong Kong’s civil service accountability system will end buck-passing mentality

From water scandals and a seat belt fiasco to the Tai Po tragedy, blaming the system can no longer be a blanket excuse for not doing the job.

27 Apr 2026 - 9:30AMvideocam

Hong Kong society

Photo of labourer smoking on scaffolding triggers anger after Tai Po blaze

Social media post shows construction worker smoking on bamboo scaffolding at residential building, prompting calls for company to act.

26 Apr 2026 - 3:01PM

The government has proposed a complete ban on smoking at construction sites following the blaze that tore through Tai Po’s Wang Fuk Court last November. Photo: Jelly Tse

Hong Kong

Wang Fuk Court resident cherishes chance to capture final photo of sea from flat

Tearful reunions as residents return to fire-ravaged flats to salvage belongings before leaving for last time.

25 Apr 2026 - 11:11PM

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy: Video

Video | ‘My home is right here. Why would I bid it farewell?’

The Yip family will have to face this ordeal again in about a week.

25 Apr 2026 - 11:00AM

Hong Kong

Wang Fuk Court residents make long climb to retrieve family treasures

Jewellery, cash, photo albums and keepsakes linked to dead loved ones among items reclaimed by residents.

25 Apr 2026 - 5:38PMvideocam

A resident collects personal belongings from Wang Sun House. Photo: Eugene Lee

Fire Services Department ( Hong Kong)

Changes to fire services law with tougher penalties set for public consultation

Security Bureau to submit amendments, including requirement fire alarms be checked every six months, to lawmakers early next month.

24 Apr 2026 - 11:12PM

Wang Fuk Court is engulfed in flames on November 26 last year. Photo: Karma Lo

Accidents and personal safety

Departments must communicate better, fire chief tells Tai Po blaze hearing

But Director of Fire Services Andy Yeung insists authorities have clear divisions of work for supervision of renovation projects.

24 Apr 2026 - 9:00PM

Hong Kong

A ‘final piano song’ offers closure as residents say goodbye to Wang Fuk Court

Residents make emotional return to fire-ravaged flats, salvaging belongings and taking one last look.

24 Apr 2026 - 9:36PM

Hong Kong

Contractors must justify shutdowns under tighter scrutiny: fire chief

Andy Yeung tells committee that Fire Services Department will amend laws, tighten oversight of fire services installation contractors.

27 Apr 2026 - 12:05AMvideocam

The fire at Wang Fuk Court killed 168 people and displaced about 5,000 residents. Photo: Jelly Tse

Video | Wang Fuk Court fire survivors return to worst-hit tower

A Wang Cheong House resident said he had braced for the worst before entering his destroyed home.

23 Apr 2026 - 7:09PM

02:28

Fire Services Department ( Hong Kong)

Hong Kong fire services declined Tai Po alert over confusion fears, inquiry hears

System, which triggers high-pitched alarm on mobile phones, would have offered little help as it takes up to one hour to activate, officer says.

23 Apr 2026 - 5:04PMvideocam

Hong Kong

Tai Po fire probe: no emergency alert sent over fears of unpredictable responses

Judge David Lok urges distinction between firefighting and fire prevention, says officers at the scene had to make many difficult decisions.

23 Apr 2026 - 2:09PM

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Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Government ‘confident’ that 75% of Wang Chi House owners will take buy-back offer

Official cites earlier survey showing 77 per cent keen on deal, with few expected to change their mind about signing letter of acceptance by June 30.

45% of fire safety shutdowns run past new 2-month cap after Tai Po blaze

What to leave? Returning Wang Fuk Court residents stuck with tough decisions

Tai Po fire: tendering system can’t stop firms manipulating market, inquiry told

Urban Renewal Authority officials tell hearing that body lacks resources to combat bid-rigging linked to estates’ renovation projects.

Wang Fuk Court resident finds charred HK$100,000 inheritance after opening safe

Another resident of fire-ravaged estate also discovers HK$100,000 in charred banknotes after returning under government scheme.

Tai Po fire probe: URA’s Smart Tender system creates ‘false sense of security’

URA director says independent consultants it hires cannot intervene if contractors collude to recommend unnecessary renovation works.

Will top Hong Kong civil servants pay price for blunders under new system?

Former ministers, senior officials and observers point to practical challenges of attributing responsibility.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Editorial | More light is shed on Tai Po fire trauma and systemic failures

As returning residents share images of their charred homes, the inquiry shines a light on systemic flaws that contributed to the tragedy.

How parents can help their children deal with grief after the Tai Po tragedy

Coverage of the Wang Fuk Court fire could affect most children, but how they display their feelings may differ depending on age, culture and other factors.

.css-1t72pn8{color:#C79A00;}Video | Resident returns to flat razed by Tai Po fire

Wang Tai House will remain open for residents until May 4, with access restricted to five floors each day.

Sisters aim for fresh start after ‘saying goodbye’ to ruined Wang Fuk Court flat

Some residents grapple with loss of belongings and condition of their homes on their return to Wang Tai House and Wang Kin House.

Challenges ahead for Wang Fuk Court homeowners who reject buy-back offer

Residents of sole block spared in Tai Po fire face steep maintenance costs, and government could use laws to acquire flats, official says.

Initial support for HK$1 billion buyback of block unscathed in Tai Po blaze

Nearly 80 per cent of Wang Chi House homeowners willing to sell, with buy-back of tower to cost about HK$1 billion, deputy financial secretary says.

Fire risks not spotted due to old inspection guidelines, Tai Po blaze inquiry told

Government surveyors were following outdated guidelines that didn’t require them to examine renovation works in person at Wang Fuk Court, committee hears.

Families of helpers who died in Tai Po fire struggle to break news to kids

Workers’ rights NGO says some families have also been targeted by scammers or descended into disputes over victims’ compensation payouts.

Claims of no foam material regulations ‘unacceptable’, Tai Po fire probe hears

Buildings Department can act against contractors over ‘inappropriate’ use of materials but Wang Fuk Court not under its purview, witness says.

Opinion | Hong Kong’s civil service accountability system will end buck-passing mentality

From water scandals and a seat belt fiasco to the Tai Po tragedy, blaming the system can no longer be a blanket excuse for not doing the job.

Photo of labourer smoking on scaffolding triggers anger after Tai Po blaze

Social media post shows construction worker smoking on bamboo scaffolding at residential building, prompting calls for company to act.

Wang Fuk Court resident cherishes chance to capture final photo of sea from flat

Tearful reunions as residents return to fire-ravaged flats to salvage belongings before leaving for last time.

Video | ‘My home is right here. Why would I bid it farewell?’

The Yip family will have to face this ordeal again in about a week.

Wang Fuk Court residents make long climb to retrieve family treasures

Jewellery, cash, photo albums and keepsakes linked to dead loved ones among items reclaimed by residents.

Changes to fire services law with tougher penalties set for public consultation

Security Bureau to submit amendments, including requirement fire alarms be checked every six months, to lawmakers early next month.

Departments must communicate better, fire chief tells Tai Po blaze hearing

But Director of Fire Services Andy Yeung insists authorities have clear divisions of work for supervision of renovation projects.

A ‘final piano song’ offers closure as residents say goodbye to Wang Fuk Court

Residents make emotional return to fire-ravaged flats, salvaging belongings and taking one last look.

Contractors must justify shutdowns under tighter scrutiny: fire chief

Andy Yeung tells committee that Fire Services Department will amend laws, tighten oversight of fire services installation contractors.

Video | Wang Fuk Court fire survivors return to worst-hit tower

A Wang Cheong House resident said he had braced for the worst before entering his destroyed home.

Hong Kong fire services declined Tai Po alert over confusion fears, inquiry hears

System, which triggers high-pitched alarm on mobile phones, would have offered little help as it takes up to one hour to activate, officer says.

Tai Po fire probe: no emergency alert sent over fears of unpredictable responses

Judge David Lok urges distinction between firefighting and fire prevention, says officers at the scene had to make many difficult decisions.

Editorial | More light is shed on Tai Po fire trauma and systemic failures

Video | Resident returns to flat razed by Tai Po fire