Tai Po probe: missed checks at Wang Fuk Court due to late notice of new guidelines – as it happened

The inquiry into the Tai Po fire tragedy, Hong Kong’s deadliest blaze in decades, continued with testimony from Nick Yung Siu-lun, senior maintenance surveyor of the Housing Bureau’s Independent Checking Unit (ICU). The fire, which occurred on November 26, 2025, at Wang Fung Court during a façade renovation, claimed 168 lives and displaced nearly 5,000 residents. Yung’s testimony followed that of his colleague Andy Ku Siu-ping and focused on the ICU’s oversight failures, particularly regarding missed safety checks linked to late notification of new guidelines. The ICU, responsible for monitoring maintenance of government-built residential estates, has faced criticism for not adequately responding to residents’ complaints about flammable polyfoam boards and substandard scaffolding mesh at the site. During the hearing, Ku defended the unit’s practice of informing registered inspectors appointed by contractors ahead of inspections, a procedure criticized as potentially allowing contractors to conceal violations. Ku argued that the inspectors’ presence was necessary to clarify project details and address complaints effectively. The inquiry is examining systemic issues that contributed to the disaster, including the ICU’s communication protocols and regulatory oversight. The late issuance of new safety guidelines reportedly hindered timely inspections, allowing hazardous materials and unsafe construction practices to persist. The fire has prompted scrutiny of the Urban Renewal Authority and other bodies involved in estate maintenance and renovation, with concerns raised about the lack of price checks and oversight enabling unscrupulous consultants to operate unchecked. This ongoing investigation highlights significant gaps in Hong Kong’s building safety enforcement and regulatory framework. The findings are expected to inform reforms aimed at preventing similar tragedies in the future by improving inspection procedures, enhancing transparency, and ensuring stricter compliance with safety standards in public housing projects.