600 Families Request Second Access to Fire-Damaged Flats as Wang Fuk Court Residents Begin Recovery

Hong Kong's Tai Po Fire Tragedy

Approximately 600 households affected by the devastating fire at Wang Fuk Court have applied for an additional visit to their residential units, government officials announced Thursday, as survivors of the complex's most severely impacted tower commence the process of retrieving their possessions.

Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration Cheuk Wing-hing disclosed that the administration intends to expand support services for residents of Wang Cheong House, the tower that sustained the heaviest losses with 81 fatalities out of the total 168 deaths from the Tai Po fire incident. Residents are scheduled to access the building between April 23 and April 28.

Enhanced Support Services Announced

"Wang Cheong House and Wang Tai House experienced severe fire damage, with significant casualty figures reported. Those returning will require heightened assistance, particularly in terms of emotional and psychological support," Cheuk stated during his Thursday briefing.

Households from Wang Tai House, which registered the highest death toll at 82 fatalities, are scheduled for their return between April 29 and May 4.

Safety and Welfare Measures

All residents entering the damaged block will be accompanied by a police officer throughout their visit. Cheuk emphasized that the Social Welfare Department will deploy both a psychologist and social worker specifically to assist households that have experienced fatalities in the disaster.