Ex-security manager says fire alarm was ‘switched off’ during renovation at Wang Fuk Court before fatal blaze
A former security manager at Wang Fuk Court told HK01 that the estate’s fire alarm system had been deliberately switched off during renovation works, as workers frequently used rear fire escapes. His account aligns with residents’ claims that alarms failed during the deadly blaze.
- A former security manager alleges that the fire alarm system at Wang Fuk Court had been switched off during renovation works.
- Residents and workers had repeatedly complained about smoking on scaffolding before the deadly fire.
- Five people have been arrested as criminal and corruption investigations widen into safety breaches.
HONG KONG: According to Hong Kong authorities, a catastrophic fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po on Wednesday, 26 November 2025, has claimed 128 lives as of Friday, 28 November 2025.
Firefighters brought the blaze under control on Thursday, although rescue operations continue and fifty-six people remain in hospital.
Local media investigations have since revealed troubling allegations about safety practices at the estate before the fire.
Former security manager alleges fire system had been disabled
According to a report by HK01, a former security manager at the estate, identified by surname Wong, said the fire alarm system had been switched off during renovation works.
Wong told HK01 that he first noticed the disabled alarm panel on his first day of employment on 1 May 2025.
He said he immediately raised the matter with the property management company, warning that disabling alarm and sprinkler systems posed severe risks.
Wong added that despite repeated reports, the company did not take action.
He resigned around 14 May 2025 after about two weeks in the role.
Workers allegedly used fire escapes, triggering alarm shutdown
Wong said construction workers frequently entered and exited through the rear fire escape instead of the main lobby.
He estimated that the management company shut off the system to avoid constant alarms triggered by workers’ movements.
He told HK01 that only security staff had access to the alarm panel, making deliberate intervention likely.
Persistent smoking complaints before the fire
Wong recounted that he received at least ten complaints a day from residents, many involving workers smoking on bamboo scaffolding.
He said he repeatedly reminded workers not to smoke, but the warnings were ignored.
His account mirrors complaints documented in the minutes of a Kwong Fuk Yuen Management Committee meeting on 5 August 2024, which noted concerns about workers smoking in prohibited areas.
Contractors were instructed to rectify the issue, although no further updates were recorded in subsequent minutes.
Residents confirm alarms did not sound
Residents interviewed by the BBC said no fire alarms rang when the blaze erupted.
One resident echoed Wong’s testimony that alarms had been silent throughout the emergency.
Many criticised the tragedy as “man-made” and preventable.
Rapid escalation overwhelmed multiple towers
Authorities reported that the fire was first logged at 14:51 on Wednesday, 26 November.
It spread rapidly, engulfing seven of the estate’s eight residential towers.
Videos circulated online show bamboo scaffolding and green mesh igniting within minutes.
Burning mesh and debris fell onto lower floors, while dense smoke drifted across Tai Po.
Combustible materials believed to have accelerated spread
Police stated that non-compliant materials were found at the site, including flammable mesh, plastic sheets, and styrofoam boards.
According to preliminary investigations, styrofoam had been used to seal lift windows across every floor, intended to keep out debris and protect glass during renovation.
Officials said these materials failed basic fire safety standards and likely caused the flames to spread swiftly through corridors and into flats.
Secretary for Administration Eric Chan said the fire spread “exceptionally fast” due to intense heat, thick smoke, and collapsing scaffolding blocking escape routes.
ICAC and police arrest five people
On Thursday, the Independent Commission Against Corruption confirmed the arrest of two directors from Will Power Architects Company, the consultant overseeing the US$330 million renovation project.
Police also arrested three senior staff members from Prestige Construction & Engineering Co Limited.
They include two directors and a consultant who now face manslaughter charges.
Authorities allege that the contractor used non-compliant materials that contributed to the disaster.
The tragedy has prompted wider questions about oversight and safety compliance in public housing renovations across Hong Kong.
0 Comments