Hong Kong has initiated a comprehensive response to the catastrophic Wang Fuk Court fire that claimed 161 lives, with an independent investigation committee formally commencing its work on Friday. The nine-month probe will examine the causes and circumstances surrounding the December tragedy in Tai Po.
Chairman David Lok presided over the inaugural meeting of the Independent Committee, established by the Chief Executive on December 12. Joined by members Chan Kin-por and Rex Auyeung, the panel outlined work priorities and preparation strategies for their complex mandate. The committee’s extensive terms of reference include investigating the fire’s origin and rapid propagation, construction safety protocols, building maintenance standards, renovation works oversight, and systemic issues in large-scale maintenance tendering processes.
Concurrently, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government filed legal proceedings to dissolve the housing estate’s owners’ corporation management committee. The administration seeks to appoint Hop On Management Company, a Chinachem Group subsidiary, as interim administrator to handle daily operations during the transition.
Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Mei-kuen emphasized that the government’s intervention aims to assist residents through complex legal and accounting procedures with professional support. ‘Our action is to help the owners of Wang Fuk Court navigate these challenging circumstances with expert assistance,’ Mak stated during a media briefing attended by senior officials including Permanent Secretary Shirley Lam Shuet-lai and Under Secretary Clarence Leung Wang-ching.
The management company will provide services pro bono, supported by a HK$5 million contribution from the Nina Wang Charity trustees for professional costs associated with estate management. Chairman Lok confirmed the committee’s final report and recommendations will be publicly disclosed, excluding information related to ongoing judicial proceedings.