Will Hong Kong police thoroughly investigate the fire in Wang Fuk Court?
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Synopsis
A devastating fire incident at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po has led to the loss of 128 lives, with investigations underway. The Hong Kong Police Force is expected to conduct a thorough inquiry, while the ICAC has initiated a separate investigation into potential corruption related to the renovation project. Stay updated as this tragic story unfolds.
Key Takeaways
- Wang Fuk Court fire resulted in 128 fatalities.
- The Hong Kong Police Force is conducting a thorough investigation.
- The ICAC has arrested eight individuals linked to potential corruption.
- Emergency services were mobilized, with extensive personnel deployed.
- Continuing updates will follow as investigations progress.
Hong Kong, Nov 28 (NationPress) The Hong Kong Police Force is set to carry out a comprehensive collection of evidence and investigation regarding the fire incident at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, which is projected to last between three to four weeks, as announced by Chris Tang Ping-keung, Secretary for Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, during a press briefing on Friday.
Reports suggest that the fire originated in the lower-level perimeter nets of Wang Cheong House, igniting foam boards and rapidly spreading to adjacent structures. This led to shattered glass and an escalating fire that moved indoors, culminating in a catastrophic event with widespread simultaneous ignition. The intense heat caused bamboo scaffolding to ignite, with burning bamboo falling and igniting other scaffolding nets, said Tang.
As per the security official, firefighting, rescue, and search operations concluded at 10:18 am on Friday, according to Xinhua news agency. The tragic incident has resulted in 128 confirmed fatalities, with around 200 individuals still unaccounted for. Tang noted that further bodies may be discovered as police commence their investigative efforts at the site.
In total, 391 fire engine sorties, 185 ambulance sorties, and 2,311 personnel from fire and ambulance services were mobilized. Twelve firefighters suffered injuries, and Ho Wai-ho of the Sha Tin Fire Station unfortunately lost his life while performing his duty, as stated by Andy Yeung Yan-kin, Director of Fire Services for the HKSAR government.
Simultaneously, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) in Hong Kong announced the formation of a special task force to investigate potential corruption associated with a major renovation project at the fire-affected Wang Fuk Court. On that same day, the ICAC arrested eight individuals.
The detainees, aged between 40 and 63, include seven men and one woman. Four of them are from a consulting firm overseeing the renovation project, specifically two directors and two project managers. The other three are subcontractors for scaffolding, including a couple who own a company, while the last arrestee is a middleman.
ICAC officers executed search warrants at 13 locations on Friday, including the offices of the consulting firm and subcontractors, alongside the residences of the arrestees, seizing relevant documents and bank records.
The investigation is ongoing, with all arrestees held by the ICAC for further inquiries.
Point of View
Our commitment is to deliver unbiased and factual reporting. The tragic incident at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po highlights critical issues of public safety and accountability. Our priority is to ensure that our coverage adheres to the highest standards of journalism, reflecting the community's concerns while providing essential information.
NationPress
28/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the fire at Wang Fuk Court?
The fire is believed to have originated in the lower-level perimeter nets of Wang Cheong House, igniting foam boards and spreading rapidly to other buildings.
How many people have been affected by the fire?
The fire has claimed 128 lives, and approximately 200 individuals are still unaccounted for.
What actions are being taken to investigate the incident?
The Hong Kong Police Force is conducting a full investigation, which is expected to take three to four weeks. Additionally, the ICAC is investigating potential corruption related to the renovation project.
What is the role of the ICAC in this situation?
The ICAC has set up a special task force to investigate suspected corruption linked to the major renovation project at Wang Fuk Court.
How many individuals have been arrested in connection with the investigation?
Eight individuals have been arrested in connection with the investigation into potential corruption related to the renovation project.
