Buildings Department files 259 charges over Wang Fuk Court works
Bastillepost · 3 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago5 MIN
Summary
The Buildings Department said it has brought a total of 259 prosecutions over the major building repair project linked to last year’s Wang Fuk Court fire in Tai Po. The defendants are consultancy firm Hong Ngai, main contractor Wang Yip, and four related directors and registered inspection personnel over alleged breaches involving materials, supervision and site safety.
Key Points
- The prosecutions relate to the major repair works connected to the Wang Fuk Court fire in Tai Po on 26 November last year, according to the Buildings Department.
- Those charged are Hong Ngai Architects Limited, Wang Yip Construction Engineering Limited, director Wong Hap-yin (黃俠然), registered inspector Ng Yuk (吳躍), and Wang Yip directors Hau Wah-kin and Ho Kin-yip.
- Allegations include permitting or authorising non-compliant materials, including non-flame-retardant scaffold netting, tarpaulins and foam boards used to cover windows during works.
- Investigators said stairwell escape-route windows were removed to create openings, covered with non-flame-retardant materials, which allegedly sped up the fire and obstructed escape.
- The department said the fire ultimately caused 168 deaths and 79 injuries, and that the registered inspector allegedly failed to properly supervise prescribed repairs or ensure the building was safe.
Why It Matters
The case points to possible criminal liability not only for contractors but also for consultants, directors and registered inspection personnel involved in large-scale repair projects. The Buildings Department said it has already tightened inspections and fire-safety controls after the fire, while the Development Bureau plans to submit amendment proposals to the Buildings Ordinance to LegCo by the end of this year