In response to the catastrophic Tai Po fire that claimed 159 lives, Hong Kong authorities and real estate developers are implementing sweeping safety reforms, including a potential total ban on smoking at construction sites. The November 26 tragedy at Wang Fuk Court, which also left 79 injured and 31 missing, has prompted urgent reassessment of construction safety protocols across the special administrative region.
Health Secretary Lo Chung-mau confirmed Friday that all patients from the incident are now out of immediate danger, with 30 remaining hospitalized—six in serious condition and 24 stable. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has pledged enhanced psychological support through the government’s 18111 Mental Health Support Hotline, emphasizing ongoing assistance for victims until normalcy is restored.
The Real Estate Developers Association of Hong Kong, led by chairman Stewart Leung Chi-kin, has expressed near-unanimous support for formalizing smoking prohibitions at construction sites. Leung stated contractors would bear implementation responsibility, with consensus expected to yield official guidelines for all member developers. CK Asset Holdings Ltd revealed it already enforces strict smoking bans at its sites while providing designated smoking areas.
Concurrent with these developments, multiple government departments have intensified regulatory inspections at building maintenance and construction locations. The Housing Bureau’s Independent Checking Unit has conducted visits to several housing estates, overseeing contractors’ compliance with netting removal directives. The Housing Department completed netting removal across 15 public housing estates by Thursday, following Development Bureau mandates.
Structural assessments continue at Wang Fuk Court, where experts will extract concrete core samples next week for detailed analysis. Emergency maintenance contractors are collaborating with police and fire services to implement additional support measures in damaged units.
Regarding the upcoming judge-led independent investigation committee, Law Society president Roden Tong Man-lung emphasized the importance of clearly defined parameters for assessing its effectiveness. Meanwhile, Shenzhen authorities have established green channels for 24-hour customs clearance of relief supplies, including rescue equipment and medical resources destined for Hong Kong.