A fire broke out in the Hong Kong Tai Po Wang Fuk Court, which is currently undergoing major renovations, this afternoon (26th). The fire has escalated to a level 5 alarm, resulting in 36 fatalities, over 30 injuries, and 209 people missing.
The Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to the families of the deceased and the injured. Members of the union have visited hospitals to provide appropriate assistance to the families of the deceased.
The Confederation pointed out that Hong Kong has witnessed several scaffold-related fires this year, including one in April at the Tun Mun Tsing Chuen Wai, another in May at the Western District Tai Fook Terrace suspected to have been caused by an unextinguished cigarette butt igniting bamboo scaffolding and safety nets, and a third incident in October at Wah Mow Building where the exterior bamboo scaffolding caught fire.
Expressing concern over the succession of scaffold fires, the Confederation urged the relevant authorities to promptly investigate the causes of these accidents and ensure that the protective nets used on the scaffolds comply with regulations. According to the guidelines on bamboo scaffold design and construction from the Buildings Department and the Bamboo Scaffolding Work Safety Code from the Labour Department, fire-resistant protective screens must be installed on the scaffolds, meeting approved standards to reduce the risk of fire spread.
Police reported that the fire on the afternoon of the 26th likely started around 2:45 PM, with numerous emergency calls reporting that the scaffold on the exterior wall of Wang Cheong Court suddenly caught fire. Many residents were trapped in their homes, inhaling thick smoke and experiencing difficulty breathing, making evacuation impossible.
The Hong Kong Fire Department arrived at the scene at 2:51 PM, with a flood of distress calls coming in. By 6:22 PM, the fire was escalated to the highest level 5 alarm.
Due to the high temperatures inside the building, some floors were inaccessible. Based on the situation on-site, the scaffolding and safety nets were burned down, debris fell from high places, explosions continued, thick smoke even drifted to the Sha Tin District, and the rescue operation is ongoing.
Hong Kong Tai Po Wang Fuk Court Fire Inquiry Hotline:
Police Hotline: 1878 999
Tai Po Home Affairs Department @ Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital: 2658 4040
Sha Tin Home Affairs Department @ Prince of Wales Hospital: 3505 1555
North District Home Affairs Department @ North District Hospital: 3505 1555
Emotional Support Hotlines:
Hospital Authority Emotional Support: 18111
Hong Kong Red Cross Psychological Support Hotline: 5164 5040
Social Welfare Department Hotline: 2343 2255
Hong Kong Christian Youth Organization 24-Hour Support Hotline: 2898 7802
Hong Kong Christian Youth Organization Late Night Outreach Social Worker: 2499 0766
Hospital Authority Mental Health Helpline: 2466 7350