HK unveils sweeping steps after huge blaze

John Lee Ka-chiu, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, announced on Thursday a series of measures in response to the deadly Tai Po blaze, including the establishment of a HK$300 million ($38.6 million) relief fund for affected residents, handing out a cash subsidy of HK$10,000 to the displaced families, providing 1,800 apartments to accommodate the affected, and creating a road map for replacing bamboo scaffolding in the city.

In a media briefing on Thursday afternoon, Lee said that all government celebratory events would be canceled or postponed and officials would suspend attendance at public activities to focus on relief efforts. The government will arrange memorial activities, including flying flags at half-staff on government buildings, holding memorial services and setting up condolence books, with details to be announced later.

The fire broke out at 2:51 pm on Wednesday in the eight-building Wang Fuk Court estate, which was undergoing renovations and has nearly 2,000 units. Flames quickly spread across seven of the eight towers. After the blaze burned for more than 27 hours, Lee announced that it had been brought "under control".

The fire had left 75 people dead and 77 injured by 10 pm on Thursday, according to the Fire Services Department. Speaking at a news briefing earlier on Thursday, Lee said that 279 people were missing.

Police arrested two male directors of a registered contractor responsible for the maintenance works, Wang Yip Construction Co, and one male engineering consultant early Thursday on suspicion of manslaughter. They are currently detained for investigation.

Accompanied by several senior officials, Lee inspected the scene of the blaze on Thursday afternoon and received a briefing from Deputy Director of Fire Services Yeung Yan-kin.

Meeting with the media after the inspection, Lee said the authorities will immediately begin a citywide inspection of all residential estates that are under renovation to check the safety of the scaffolding and construction materials. He also announced that authorities will create a road map for replacing the city's bamboo scaffolding with metal scaffolding.

Of the 1,800 apartments secured for displaced residents, 1,000 are youth hostel and hotel rooms throughout the city, which will provide temporary housing for one to two weeks. The number of participating hotels is increasing.

A social worker will be assigned to provide dedicated support to each affected household.

A working group from the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council arrived in Hong Kong on Thursday morning to assist in Hong Kong's disaster relief efforts. The delegation is led by the office's deputy head, Nong Rong. Xu Qifang, the office's executive deputy director, also departed for Hong Kong on Thursday afternoon.

Zhou Ji, director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and Nong visited the Tai Po Community Center and the Prince of Wales Hospital to offer sympathy to fire victims and meet with rescue members and relief personnel.

The Liaison Office pledged full support for the SAR government's ongoing rescue efforts, casualty care and investigation of the blaze, expressing confidence in Hong Kong's unity during this difficult time.

Lee said the SAR government has submitted a list of needed supplies to mainland authorities, including items such as drones, high-reach ladders and conveyor belts. He also expressed hope for prompt assistance from the mainland in areas such as medical support and laboratory testing materials.

Lee expressed gratitude for the support from the Chinese mainland, noting that the eight drones and two long-endurance drones provided by Shenzhen had offered effective assistance in the rescue efforts.

"We share in the collective grief and must stand strong together through this difficult time," Lee said. "Let us channel our sorrow into resilience, maintaining social stability and working toward recovery."

The Tai Po District Office opened a 10th temporary shelter on Thursday at the Hong Kong Children and Youth Services Jockey Club Tai Po Integrated Children & Youth Services Center, with more than 500 residents already staying at the other nine temporary shelters opened since Wednesday.

The Independent Commission Against Corruption established a special task force on Thursday, and has launched a full investigation into the incident.

A total of eight Legislative Council election forums scheduled from Thursday to Sunday will be suspended. Lee said the government will "comprehensively assess the situation after completing the first phase of coordination before making any decisions regarding election arrangements".

Local and mainland businesses have pledged donations for the Tai Po fire relief efforts. Major contributions include an initial HK$100 million in emergency aid from the Hong Kong Jockey Club, HK$80 million from the Li Ka Shing Foundation and HK$50 million from The Community Chest of Hong Kong.

Local residents also volunteered to help at the site and provide supplies. Among them was a 70-year-old whose surname is Tso and who has lived in the community for four decades. "I just want to help as much as I can," said Tso.