Tai Rih Elevator Under Investigation for Missing Fire Door Frames in 48 Elevators Across Two Housing Estates
HK01 · 3 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) has launched a criminal investigation into Tai Rih Elevator (Hong Kong) Company Limited following the discovery of serious construction defects in elevator fire safety systems at two Hong Kong public housing estates. The company allegedly submitted fire resistance test reports for door frames but only installed fire doors while omitting the required door frame components, then falsely declared the work complete.
Key Points
- Inspections uncovered 48 elevators across two estates with missing fire-resistant door frame components
- Nine elevators at Tsui Ping North Estate in Kwun Tong were completed between February and July 2026
- Thirty-nine elevators at Pok Hong Estate in Sha Tin were completed between May 2025 and July 2026
- EMSD will complete inspections of all Tai Rih-installed elevators citywide within three days
- Repairs will be conducted during off-peak hours, requiring one to two days per elevator
- No similar violations have been found among other registered elevator contractors
- The government will conduct a comprehensive review of elevator engineering supervision systems
Why It Matters
The case exposes potential systemic gaps in elevator construction oversight, as the company submitted documentation suggesting compliance while actually cutting corners on the required components. With EMSD now reviewing the entire regulatory framework for elevator installation and maintenance under the Lifts and Escalators Ordinance, the incident may trigger stricter requirements for fire safety certification and on-site verification in Hong Kong's building sector .
The case exposes potential systemic gaps in elevator construction oversight, as the company submitted documentation suggesting compliance while actually cutting corners on the required components. With EMSD now reviewing the entire regulatory framework for elevator installation and maintenance under the Lifts and Escalators Ordinance, the incident may trigger stricter requirements for fire safety certification and on-site verification in Hong Kong's building sector .