Hong Kong Mandates Citywide Scaffolding Removal Following Deadly Wang Fuk Court Fire Death Toll Climbs to 159
Authorities mandate urgent fire safety checks and continue search for missing residents as investigations into contractors’ misconduct deepen.
Hong Kong , Dec 04 : The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government has ordered the removal of all scaffolding used in building maintenance projects across the city within three days to conduct urgent fire safety inspections following the deadly Wang Fuk Court blaze. Bernadette Linn, HKSAR Secretary for Development, stated that removed materials will be returned for use only after approval under new safety guidelines expected next week.
The fire has claimed 159 lives, with 31 people still missing, according to the Hong Kong Police Force. So far, 140 victims have been identified, ranging in age from 1 to 97 years. Police have completed the search inside all seven affected buildings and will now carefully examine surrounding areas, including collapsed scaffolding, to ensure no remains are overlooked.
Investigations into the tragedy are ongoing. Six people linked to a contractor responsible for fire safety equipment installation at Wang Fuk Court were arrested for allegedly misleading the Fire Services Department about alarm functionality during maintenance. Authorities are also probing alleged document forgery involving renovation materials.
Meanwhile, financial support for affected residents is being ramped up. The disaster-relief fund has already collected 2.4 billion Hong Kong dollars (approximately $308 million), and the HKSAR government is providing tax relief and fee waivers. The Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China continues to coordinate the delivery of disaster relief supplies, including protective goggles and waterproof gloves.
This decisive scaffolding removal marks a citywide push to prevent further tragedies and enhance fire safety standards across Hong Kong.
