Wang Fuk Estate Fire Probe Committee Releases List of 37 Involved Parties Ahead of Hearings

The Independent Committee investigating the devastating fire at Wang Fuk Estate in Tai Po has published its list of involved parties on its official website, naming a total of 37 individuals and organisations who have applied and been approved to participate in the upcoming hearings.

The committee, established by Chief Executive John Lee in December 2024 following the tragedy that claimed 168 lives and displaced nearly 5,000 residents, aims to examine the causes of the fire, the rapid spread, building fire safety systems, maintenance and repair works (including construction safety), and the regulatory responsibilities of various parties. Hearings are scheduled to begin on March 19, 2026, with the first round running through early April.

Key Involved Parties Named

The list includes:

• Government departments and statutory bodies (9 in total): Buildings Department, Fire Services Department, Home Affairs Department, Hong Kong Police Force, Housing Department, Labour Department, Competition Commission, Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), and Urban Renewal Authority.

• Former Owners' Corporation (12th Management Committee): 14 members, including Chairman Xu Man-gan (徐滿柑), Vice-Chairman Mak Chi-hung (麥志雄), Secretary Ho Chung-hang, Treasurer Cheung Tsz-wan, and other committee members such as Chan Man-ho, Fung Ching-yan, Kong Cheung-fat, Lam Wai-man, Lo Wing-lun, Li Yat-hing, Mak Chi-shing, So Sin-ting, Tang Ka-yan, and Tse Po-sum.

• Residents: 7 individuals listed in their capacity as Hung Fuk Estate residents: Chow Yin-ling, Li Kwok-hung, Leung Ho-hin, Law Hiu-ki, Law Hiu-kin, Yip Ka-kui, and Yip Shun-ting.

• Companies and professionals:

• Hop On Management Co Ltd (He An Management Co Ltd, which took over management after the owners' corporation was dissolved).

• Wong Haam-yin (黃俠然), director of Hung Yi Architects Ltd (鴻毅建築師有限公司).

• Hau Wah-kin (侯華健) and Ho Kin-yip (何建業), directors of Hung Ye Building Engineering Co Ltd (宏業建築工程有限公司).

• Wong Chung-kei (黃忠基), authorised signatory of Hung Ye Building Engineering Co Ltd.

• Other entities such as the original property manager (likely ISS East Point or Putong Property Management) and Victory Fire Engineering (宏泰消防工程有限公司).

Participation Rights and Process

Approved involved parties can deliver opening and closing statements, question witnesses (with committee approval), and summon additional witnesses. The committee emphasised that inclusion does not automatically imply blame but allows direct participation to provide evidence, statements, or cross-examination relevant to the inquiry.

Chairman Luk Kai-hang (陸啟康) previously indicated that the hearings would disclose evidence of unacceptable structural problems. The public is also invited to submit information related to the fire's causes and spread starting March 18, 2026.

The tragedy, one of Hong Kong's deadliest in modern history, has prompted widespread calls for accountability in building safety, fire prevention, and estate management. The committee is expected to complete its work within nine months of its establishment.