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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 ICAC raided the offices of several companies following earlier complaints. Photo: Jelly Tse

Crime in Hong Kong

22 arrested as Hong Kong’s ICAC raids firms linked to shady renovation deals

Arrests related to seven building renovation projects involving contracts worth more than HK$200 million.

13 Feb 2026 - 10:19PM

Education in Hong Kong

University in Hong Kong ‘expels’ student arrested for sedition over Tai Po fire

13 Feb 2026 - 10:07PM

Hong Kong

Social workers in Tai Po fire relief warn of burnout after colleague dies

12 Feb 2026 - 9:42AM

Hong Kong society

Letters | In Hong Kong, ‘animal-friendly’ should be the default setting

Readers discuss how Hong Kong can become a genuinely animal-friendly city, and the implementation of pet-friendly regulations.

11 Feb 2026 - 11:30AM

Dogs and their owners take the Star Ferry during a “Shipcation” organised by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in 2023. Photo: Xiaomei Chen

Mainland China

Hong Kong fire victims willing to sell flats to government: John Lee

But chief executive says government task force faces challenges in addressing families’ varying needs.

10 Feb 2026 - 8:21PMvideocam

Hong Kong housing

Hong Kong lawmakers call for greater scrutiny of flat owners’ proxies

Legislators respond to government’s proposed changes to law governing building management including maintenance projects.

9 Feb 2026 - 9:44PM

Hong Kong courts

Editorial | Tai Po fire highlights need for Hong Kong to allow class actions

The introduction of class actions is worth considering as it will make justice more accessible for Hongkongers.

9 Feb 2026 - 6:45AM

A man walks past burnt buildings after the deadly fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po district on November 28 2025. Photo: AP

Hong Kong

Hong Kong government defends estate administrator after Tai Po fire hearing

Minister says Hop On Management will be present ‘as necessary’ at future hearings following criticism residents lacked legal representation.

8 Feb 2026 - 11:00PM

Hong Kong

Hong Kong fire inquiry finds key clues of systemic failures: barrister

At the first meeting, residents of Wang Fuk Court call on committee to identify and hold those responsible to account.

5 Feb 2026 - 9:59PM

Hong Kong society

Senior civil servants to face scrutiny in Hong Kong blaze inquiry

Senior civil servants and department heads among witnesses to be cross-examined by an independent committee as victims demand accountability.

5 Feb 2026 - 8:30AMvideocam

The devastating Wang Fuk Court blaze claimed 168 lives last November. Photo: Sam Tsang

Hong Kong society

Editorial | Operation Santa Claus success shows Hong Kong’s robust charity spirit

The citywide campaign has helped define Hong Kong’s character as a city willing to help disaster survivors and those in need of support.

5 Feb 2026 - 7:16AM

SCMP publisher Tammy Tam and RTHK radio controller Angel Cheng (middle row, third and fourth from left) at the Operation Santa Claus closing ceremony at Cafe 8 on February 3. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Hong Kong

Wang Fuk Court survivors hit out at ‘bureaucratic’ process for URA subsidies

Hop On Management outlines rigid schedule for cheque collection for URA building maintenance subsidies, which must be completed by owner or authorised person.

6 Feb 2026 - 12:58AM

Hong Kong society

Hong Kong to consider HK$3,000 fixed penalty for smoking on construction sites

Government earlier proposed maximum fine of HK$150,000.

3 Feb 2026 - 11:26PM

Hong Kong society

Operation Santa Claus raises HK$19 million for Hong Kong fire victims, other causes

Annual fundraiser by RTHK and South China Morning Post hits nearly twice its target after intensified fundraising in the wake of Tai Po blaze.

3 Feb 2026 - 9:21PM

Operation Santa Claus has raised HK$19 million this year, nearly double its target. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Education in Hong Kong

Red-faced Hong Kong school sorry after teacher cites Tai Po blaze in fire drill

MKMCF Ma Chan Duen Hey Memorial College says one of its staff used ‘inappropriate language and expressions’ and expresses deepest apologies.

3 Feb 2026 - 6:49PM

The MKMCF Ma Chan Duen Hey Memorial College initiated a crisis response plan over the inappropriate comments by a faculty member. Photo: Handout

Hong Kong

85% of insurance claims related to Tai Po fire settled, totalling HK$510 million

Hong Kong’s Insurance Authority says insurers have settled more than 1,000 claims related to damages caused by deadly blaze last November.

3 Feb 2026 - 8:30PM

Lunar New Year

Small Hong Kong firms struggling with scaffold net safety costs: contractor

‘Bigger contractors can usually handle the testing process … But for small and medium-sized firms with only one or two projects, it’s much harder,’ representative says.

2 Feb 2026 - 7:50PM

Hong Kong society

My Take | Tai Po fire victims are not being served well by the inaction on class actions

It has been two decades since moves began to bring such cases to Hong Kong. Any resolution will likely come too late for Wang Fuk Court residents.

31 Jan 2026 - 11:08PM

Workers remove the damaged bamboo scaffolding in Wang Fuk Court at Tai Po. Photo: SCMP / Sam Tsang

US-China trade war

Trump slams allies’ China ties, top generals fall, cross-strait talks

This week: US president says ‘very dangerous’ for UK to boost China ties, two top Chinese generals face corruption probes, and gold surges. Next week: Communist Party and Taiwan’s Kuomintang resume forum after 10 years, Uruguay president visits China, Shanghai opens skies to drones and more.

30 Jan 2026 - 5:01PM

Hong Kong

Video | Tai Po fire widow wants answers and accountability

Christy Lee lost her home and her husband to Hong Kong’s deadliest blaze in decades.

30 Jan 2026 - 12:05PM

Crime in Hong Kong

Hong Kong cracks down on alleged HK$700 million renovation bid-rigging syndicate

Competition Commission-led operation marks watchdog’s first major enforcement action since deadly Tai Po blaze last November.

30 Jan 2026 - 12:11AM

The watchdog’s raid on Wednesday and Thursday targeted 27 premises including the offices of 14 companies. Photo: Handout

Hong Kong fires and safety

4 still in hospital, 75 discharged after Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire

‘All those injured in the fire and admitted to public hospitals under the Hospital Authority will receive full fee waivers for necessary treatment,’ spokesman says.

29 Jan 2026 - 5:25PM

The Wang Fuk Court fire claimed at least 168 lives and injured 79 in November last year. Photo: Elson Li

Hong Kong

Editorial | Hong Kong must tackle the long-standing lapses that led to Tai Po fire

The deep-rooted problems in building management, including bid-rigging, inflated costs and slack supervision, must be resolved once and for all.

29 Jan 2026 - 7:15AM

Hong Kong fires and safety

Hong Kong to test firefighting drones in pilot scheme

Authorities turn to new technology as part of efforts to enhance fire safety following the deadly Tai Po blaze.

28 Jan 2026 - 7:36PM

Hong Kong society

Workers protest over unpaid wages for renovation linked to Tai Po fire contractor

At least 15 workers hold banners and chant slogans outside Baguio Villa in Hong Kong’s Pok Fu Lam, with two scaling scaffolding.

28 Jan 2026 - 8:07PM

Construction workers stage a protest against Prestige Construction & Engineering Co Limited outside Baguio Villa in Pok Fu Lam on Wednesday. Photo: Handout

Hong Kong

John Lee weighs ‘all options’ amid feedback from flat owners hit by Tai Po fire

Hong Kong leader says government is analysing feedback from 90 per cent of homeowners affected by the blaze that killed 168 and displaced nearly 5,000.

27 Jan 2026 - 9:55PM

An aerial view of Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. Seven of the estate’s eight blocks were devastated in a catastrophic fire last November. Photo: Sam Tsang

Hong Kong politics

Hong Kong minister Erick Tsang resigns, reveals prostate cancer fears

City leader John Lee dismisses speculation about more principal official departures, says his cabinet ‘shares his philosophy’ and has met expectations.

27 Jan 2026 - 8:57PM

Hong Kong housing

Opinion | A home is more than a price tag. Hong Kong must remember this

Policymakers confronting the city’s ageing building stock should respect residents’ wishes and protect their interests.

25 Jan 2026 - 5:48PMvideocam

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Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

22 arrested as Hong Kong’s ICAC raids firms linked to shady renovation deals

Arrests related to seven building renovation projects involving contracts worth more than HK$200 million.

University in Hong Kong ‘expels’ student arrested for sedition over Tai Po fire

Social workers in Tai Po fire relief warn of burnout after colleague dies

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Letters | In Hong Kong, ‘animal-friendly’ should be the default setting

Readers discuss how Hong Kong can become a genuinely animal-friendly city, and the implementation of pet-friendly regulations.

Hong Kong fire victims willing to sell flats to government: John Lee

But chief executive says government task force faces challenges in addressing families’ varying needs.

Hong Kong lawmakers call for greater scrutiny of flat owners’ proxies

Legislators respond to government’s proposed changes to law governing building management including maintenance projects.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Editorial | Tai Po fire highlights need for Hong Kong to allow class actions

The introduction of class actions is worth considering as it will make justice more accessible for Hongkongers.

Hong Kong government defends estate administrator after Tai Po fire hearing

Minister says Hop On Management will be present ‘as necessary’ at future hearings following criticism residents lacked legal representation.

Hong Kong fire inquiry finds key clues of systemic failures: barrister

At the first meeting, residents of Wang Fuk Court call on committee to identify and hold those responsible to account.

Senior civil servants to face scrutiny in Hong Kong blaze inquiry

Senior civil servants and department heads among witnesses to be cross-examined by an independent committee as victims demand accountability.

Editorial | Operation Santa Claus success shows Hong Kong’s robust charity spirit

The citywide campaign has helped define Hong Kong’s character as a city willing to help disaster survivors and those in need of support.

Wang Fuk Court survivors hit out at ‘bureaucratic’ process for URA subsidies

Hop On Management outlines rigid schedule for cheque collection for URA building maintenance subsidies, which must be completed by owner or authorised person.

Hong Kong to consider HK$3,000 fixed penalty for smoking on construction sites

Government earlier proposed maximum fine of HK$150,000.

Operation Santa Claus raises HK$19 million for Hong Kong fire victims, other causes

Annual fundraiser by RTHK and South China Morning Post hits nearly twice its target after intensified fundraising in the wake of Tai Po blaze.

Red-faced Hong Kong school sorry after teacher cites Tai Po blaze in fire drill

MKMCF Ma Chan Duen Hey Memorial College says one of its staff used ‘inappropriate language and expressions’ and expresses deepest apologies.

85% of insurance claims related to Tai Po fire settled, totalling HK$510 million

Hong Kong’s Insurance Authority says insurers have settled more than 1,000 claims related to damages caused by deadly blaze last November.

Small Hong Kong firms struggling with scaffold net safety costs: contractor

‘Bigger contractors can usually handle the testing process … But for small and medium-sized firms with only one or two projects, it’s much harder,’ representative says.

My Take | Tai Po fire victims are not being served well by the inaction on class actions

It has been two decades since moves began to bring such cases to Hong Kong. Any resolution will likely come too late for Wang Fuk Court residents.

Trump slams allies’ China ties, top generals fall, cross-strait talks

This week: US president says ‘very dangerous’ for UK to boost China ties, two top Chinese generals face corruption probes, and gold surges. Next week: Communist Party and Taiwan’s Kuomintang resume forum after 10 years, Uruguay president visits China, Shanghai opens skies to drones and more.

.css-rcruog{color:#C79A00;}Video | Tai Po fire widow wants answers and accountability

Christy Lee lost her home and her husband to Hong Kong’s deadliest blaze in decades.

Hong Kong cracks down on alleged HK$700 million renovation bid-rigging syndicate

Competition Commission-led operation marks watchdog’s first major enforcement action since deadly Tai Po blaze last November.

4 still in hospital, 75 discharged after Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire

‘All those injured in the fire and admitted to public hospitals under the Hospital Authority will receive full fee waivers for necessary treatment,’ spokesman says.

Editorial | Hong Kong must tackle the long-standing lapses that led to Tai Po fire

The deep-rooted problems in building management, including bid-rigging, inflated costs and slack supervision, must be resolved once and for all.

Hong Kong to test firefighting drones in pilot scheme

Authorities turn to new technology as part of efforts to enhance fire safety following the deadly Tai Po blaze.

Workers protest over unpaid wages for renovation linked to Tai Po fire contractor

At least 15 workers hold banners and chant slogans outside Baguio Villa in Hong Kong’s Pok Fu Lam, with two scaling scaffolding.

John Lee weighs ‘all options’ amid feedback from flat owners hit by Tai Po fire

Hong Kong leader says government is analysing feedback from 90 per cent of homeowners affected by the blaze that killed 168 and displaced nearly 5,000.

Hong Kong minister Erick Tsang resigns, reveals prostate cancer fears

City leader John Lee dismisses speculation about more principal official departures, says his cabinet ‘shares his philosophy’ and has met expectations.

Opinion | A home is more than a price tag. Hong Kong must remember this

Policymakers confronting the city’s ageing building stock should respect residents’ wishes and protect their interests.

Letters | In Hong Kong, ‘animal-friendly’ should be the default setting

Editorial | Tai Po fire highlights need for Hong Kong to allow class actions

Video | Tai Po fire widow wants answers and accountability