Hong Kong authorities have initiated a comprehensive investigation and safety review following the completion of search operations at Wang Fuk Court, where a catastrophic fire claimed 159 lives. The tragedy, one of Hong Kong’s deadliest building fires in decades, has prompted immediate government action and exposed critical safety failures.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government has mandated the removal of all scaffolding nets from building maintenance projects across the territory within 72 hours for urgent fire safety inspections. Development Secretary Bernadette Linn announced that removed materials will only be reinstalled after meeting new safety standards to be issued next week.
Police confirmed the devastating human toll on Wednesday, with 140 victims identified ranging from 1 to 97 years old, while 31 individuals remain unaccounted for. Search operations have expanded beyond the seven affected buildings to surrounding areas where collapsed scaffolding may conceal additional remains—a meticulous process requiring careful debris removal under safe conditions.
The investigation has taken a prosecutorial turn with six arrests connected to the contractor responsible for fire safety equipment installation. Authorities allege the company deceived fire services by falsely certifying functional alarm systems during maintenance work. Parallel inquiries are examining potential document forgery regarding renovation materials.
Substantial financial support has been mobilized, with a disaster relief fund accumulating HK$2.4 billion (approximately $308 million). The government has implemented extensive support measures including tax relief, fee waivers, and comprehensive medical coverage for victims until December 2026. Educational support provides HK$20,000 per student for academic expenses.
The Central Government’s Hong Kong and Macao Work Office continues coordinating delivery of critical emergency supplies, including specialized protective equipment that has aided recovery operations. Previous shipments from mainland China provided essential lighting equipment that enabled nighttime search operations.