Residents of fire-ravaged Wang Fuk Court can retrieve belongings from late April
South China Morning Post
by Oscar Liu,Emily HungFebruary 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Residents of fire-damaged Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong will be permitted to return to their homes by late April to retrieve personal belongings. This comes nearly five months after a tragic fire, which claimed 168 lives and displaced nearly 5,000 people, making it the deadliest in decades. The decision was announced following a petition from over 630 affected residents seeking urgent access to salvage cherished items.
The preparatory period will last two months, prioritizing safety due to structural hazards like unstable scaffolding and severe interior damage. Deputy Chief Secretary Warner Cheuk emphasized that the operation involves over 1,700 households, making it a complex task requiring extensive planning and deployment. Safety remains paramount as authorities address risks posed by damaged buildings.
The fire broke out on November 26 last year, devastating seven of eight residential towers at the Tai Po estate. It not only caused loss of life but also left thousands without homes. The delayed access to retrieve belongings reflects both the challenges of ensuring safety and the complexity of managing such a large-scale operation.
This development matters globally as it highlights the ongoing struggles faced by affected residents and underscores the importance of prioritizing safety in disaster recovery efforts. It also sheds light on the broader implications of urban planning and emergency response systems, particularly in densely populated areas like Hong Kong.
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/26/2026