Hong Kong authorities have mandated a restrictive three-hour window for residents of the fire-ravaged Wang Fuk Court to retrieve their belongings, a policy staunchly defended by Deputy Chief Secretary Warner Cheuk Wing-hing on Saturday, March 28, 2026. This decision comes as over 1,700 households prepare for a phased return to the residential complex, nearly five months after a devastating inferno on November 26, 2025, claimed 168 lives, making it the city's deadliest residential fire since 1980. The limited access has ignited concerns among displaced residents facing the daunting and emotional task of salvaging remnants of their lives amidst ongoing criminal investigations and a public inquiry into the tragedy.
Cheuk justified the stringent time limit, emphasizing safety and operational efficiency during a radio programme. He stated that while each household could register up to four individuals to enter the building, only one person would be permitted into severely damaged flats due to structural integrity concerns. "With four people and three hours allowed, they would have 12 hours in total to pack," Cheuk remarked. "I don’t think saying goodbye to your home requires that much time… And residents probably know where their belongings are." Authorities maintain that this approach, while strict, balances the need for resident access with the imperative of safety and orderliness, though discretion may be exercised for those with genuine needs requesting a second entry.
The logistics of the retrieval operation, set to run from April 20 to May 4, 2026, are formidable. The arrangement will accommodate residents from seven of the eight blocks that were consumed by the blaze, with a 15-day schedule allocating specific dates for each building. Each day will feature two four-hour sessions, from 9 am to 1 pm and 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm, during which residents will have three hours inside their units. A "criss-cross" system is planned to prevent residents from neighboring flats from returning simultaneously, further managing crowd flow and safety. Critically, residents will be required to use stairs as lifts remain out of service, with those from high-rise units facing climbs of 20 to 30 floors. Officials have advised the elderly, children, and individuals with health or mobility issues against participating due to the physical demands.
To facilitate the process, a substantial 1,000-member government team will be deployed daily, offering escort duties, crowd control, and crucial emotional support. Support services will also include social workers and clinical psychologists, along with the provision of safety helmets and masks, and free shuttle buses operating between Wang Fuk Court and Tai Po Market MTR station. Residents also have the option to authorize relatives to collect belongings on their behalf. This marks a stark contrast to an earlier, brief 90-minute reprieve granted in December 2025 for residents of Wang Chi House, the sole tower that largely escaped the inferno, to retrieve essentials.
The Wang Fuk Court fire, which began on November 26, 2025, in the Tai Po District, quickly escalated to a No. 5 alarm incident. Investigations have strongly suggested that renovation work, including extensive bamboo scaffolding, protective netting, and flammable foam boards, contributed significantly to the fire's rapid and catastrophic spread across the high-rise complex. Public hearings into the disaster commenced on March 18 and 19, 2026, aiming to investigate potential failures in fire safety standards, construction practices, and oversight by government officers or contractors. Police have since arrested 38 individuals on suspicion of manslaughter and fraud, with an additional 23 apprehended by the anti-graft watchdog, including consultants, contractors, and members of the complex's owners' corporation.
As the phased return begins, it represents a deeply personal and often traumatic experience for thousands of affected residents, many of whom lost not only their homes but also loved ones. The coming weeks will be critical as families navigate the emotional landscape of their former residences. The ongoing public inquiry and criminal investigations are expected to continue shedding light on the systemic issues that led to such a catastrophic loss of life and property. The broader implications for urban planning, building safety regulations, and emergency preparedness in densely populated Hong Kong remain a paramount concern, underscoring the long and arduous path to recovery and accountability for the Wang Fuk Court community.
ISN MEDIA
