Charges Mark Major Step in Probe of Hong Kong's Deadliest Fire in Decades
Hong Kong authorities have filed manslaughter charges against seven individuals and two companies in connection with the devastating fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po that claimed 168 lives last November. The charges, laid on June 10, 2026, represent the first formal criminal accusations stemming from the blaze, which engulfed seven of the eight residential blocks in the subsidized housing complex and burned for more than 43 hours.
The two companies named are Will Power Architects Company Limited, the structural engineering consultancy for the ongoing exterior renovation, and Prestige Construction and Engineering Company, the main contractor. Among the individuals charged are Ho Kin-yip, a 52-year-old director at Prestige; Wong Hap-yin, a 40-year-old director at Will Power; and Ng Yeuk, a 44-year-old registered inspector. The 25 charges in total include manslaughter, conspiracy to defraud, attempting to pervert the course of public justice, and tax evasion.
Background of Wang Fuk Court and the Renovation Project
Wang Fuk Court, a Home Ownership Scheme estate built in 1983 in Hong Kong's Tai Po District, comprises eight 31-storey blocks housing nearly 2,000 units and over 4,600 residents according to the 2021 census. A significant portion of residents were elderly, with nearly 40 percent aged 65 or older. An inspection in 2016 identified the need for extensive exterior repairs, leading the owners' corporation to approve a HK$330 million project in 2024 that involved complete rebuilding of the exterior walls with ceramic tiles after sourcing issues with original tessera tiles arose.
Prestige Construction served as the registered contractor, while Will Power Architects provided consultancy services. The project required full-height bamboo scaffolding wrapped in construction safety netting and tarpaulins across all blocks. Windows were sealed with flammable expanded polystyrene foam boards to protect interiors during work. Residents had raised multiple concerns prior to the fire about the safety of the netting, the use of foam boards, workers smoking on site, and reports that fire alarms had been deactivated.
The Outbreak and Rapid Spread of the Fire
The fire began around 14:51 on November 26, 2025, at Wang Cheong House (Block F). Preliminary findings point to a discarded cigarette butt igniting materials on scaffolding netting. Dry conditions with strong winds and relative humidity between 40 and 50 percent, combined with a Red Fire Danger Warning in effect, created ideal conditions for rapid escalation.
Within minutes, flames spread vertically along the scaffolding due to the chimney effect created by the enclosed netting. The flammable polystyrene boards on windows acted as accelerants, allowing fire to enter apartments quickly. Fire alarms failed to activate in any of the towers, and many residents reported no audible warnings despite attempts to trigger them. The blaze eventually consumed seven blocks before being extinguished at 10:18 on November 28.
Casualties, Rescue Efforts, and Immediate Aftermath
The fire resulted in 168 deaths, including one firefighter, and 79 injuries. Most victims were found inside their apartments, highlighting the challenges of evacuation in high-rises with compromised safety systems. Rescue operations involved over 56 people being brought to safety by firefighters amid intense conditions.
The incident was the deadliest fire in Hong Kong since the 1948 Wing On warehouse fire and the first five-alarm fire since 2008. Survivors and families described scenes of chaos, with many relying on neighbors or social media groups for alerts rather than official systems.
Investigations Reveal Multiple Layers of Failure
An independent committee led by Senior Counsel Victor Dawes opened hearings in March 2026, outlining how nearly all fire safety systems failed due to human factors. These included inadequate flame-retardant materials on scaffolding, disabled alarms, ignored resident complaints about smoking and netting quality, and potential cost-cutting on fire-resistant netting that degraded under UV exposure.
The Labour Department had conducted 16 inspections in the year before the fire, issuing improvement notices but finding complaints about smoking unsubstantiated. Multiple government bodies later stated that responsibility for verifying fireproof standards on certain materials fell outside their direct purview.
Photo by Eran Menashri on Unsplash
Arrests and Corruption Allegations Precede Formal Charges
Police arrested three men—two directors and a consultant from the construction firm—on suspicion of manslaughter within hours of the fire on November 27, 2025. By early December, at least 13 people faced manslaughter suspicions, with numbers rising to 38 by March 2026 alongside six additional arrests for fraud. The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) separately detained 14 individuals on corruption suspicions linked to the renovation project.
Residents had previously reported concerns to the ICAC, Labour Department, Fire Services Department, and Housing Department without apparent action, prompting questions about regulatory oversight.
Details of the June 2026 Manslaughter Charges
The charges filed on June 10, 2026, target both corporate entities and key personnel for alleged gross negligence in the use of substandard materials and practices that contributed to the fire's lethality. Prosecutors allege a conspiracy involving the selection and installation of non-compliant safety netting and other elements during the renovation.
Court proceedings were scheduled for the afternoon of the charging date. The case continues to draw attention to accountability in large-scale public housing maintenance projects across the city.
Regulatory Context and Calls for Reform
Hong Kong relies heavily on bamboo scaffolding, estimated at 80 percent of sites in 2025, though authorities announced a phased transition to metal alternatives earlier that year following other incidents. Guidelines on flame-retardant netting exist but lack strong legal enforcement, allowing cheaper non-compliant options to be used in some cases.
The tragedy has prompted renewed scrutiny of construction practices, fire safety enforcement, and the handling of resident complaints in aging public estates. Government statements emphasize ongoing reviews of inspection protocols and material standards.
Perspectives from Residents and Affected Families
Survivors and relatives have expressed frustration over perceived inaction on prior warnings and the prolonged wait for accountability. Some described the fire as a preventable tragedy exacerbated by cost considerations and fragmented regulatory responsibilities. Community support efforts have focused on temporary housing, counseling, and advocacy for stronger safety measures in similar estates.
Broader Implications for Fire Safety in Hong Kong
The Wang Fuk Court incident underscores vulnerabilities in high-density residential areas undergoing renovation, particularly where flammable materials and scaffolding create fire risks. It has accelerated discussions on updating building codes, enhancing alarm reliability, and improving inter-agency coordination for complaint handling.
Industry experts note that while certified flame-retardant netting meets standards when properly maintained, real-world factors like UV degradation and improper installation can compromise effectiveness. The shift toward metal scaffolding aims to reduce both fire and structural risks over time.
Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash
Future Outlook and Ongoing Proceedings
As the legal process unfolds, authorities continue to manage the aftermath, including the appointment of a new provisional administrator for the estate to handle insurance, repairs, and security. Public hearings and further charges may shed additional light on systemic issues.
The case serves as a reminder of the importance of rigorous oversight in construction projects affecting thousands of residents. Hong Kong's dense urban environment demands the highest standards of fire prevention and emergency preparedness.
Further details on the charges and investigation are available from BBC reporting and Associated Press coverage.
