The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government has mandated immediate fire safety inspections across all building maintenance projects following a catastrophic fire at Wang Fuk Court housing complex that claimed 159 lives as of December 3, 2025. Development Secretary Bernadette Linn announced the three-day removal of scaffolding nets citywide, with materials to be reinstalled only after meeting new safety standards effective next week.
Police confirmed 140 victims have been identified, ranging from infants to elderly residents, while 31 individuals remain unaccounted for. Search operations expanded to surrounding areas after completing interior sweeps of all seven affected buildings, with authorities cautioning that debris removal from collapsed scaffolding will require extended time due to safety protocols.
Six contractors involved in fire alarm installations face arrest for allegedly falsifying safety compliance documents. Simultaneous investigations into suspected forged renovation material certificates are underway, signaling heightened regulatory scrutiny.
Financial relief measures include 2.4 billion Hong Kong dollars in disaster funding, tax breaks, and fee waivers for affected residents. The Education Bureau is providing 20,000 Hong Kong dollars per student for academic needs, while the Health Bureau will cover all medical costs for victims through 2026.
The Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee continues coordinating mainland support, delivering critical supplies including protective gear and emergency lighting equipment used in recovery efforts.
