All Tai Po fire casualties out of critical condition
The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The Hospital Authority (HA) spokesperson announced today (December 5) that the conditions of all hospitalised casualties from the Tai Po fire are gradually improving, and all patients previously listed as critical have now been stabilised. Healthcare staff will continue their efforts to care for all patients, offering hope for a swift recovery.
A total of 79 patients received treatment at various public hospitals following the fire. Among them, 19 were previously listed in critical condition due to severe burns, smoke inhalation, and respiratory injuries. After receiving treatment, the condition of all critical patients has improved. As of 6pm today, 30 patients remain hospitalised, with none in critical condition, six in serious condition, and 24 in stable condition. Forty-nine patients have been discharged.
The HA spokesperson said: "All hospitalised patients have shown significant improvement. Healthcare staff have formulated appropriate treatment plans and comprehensive care to support their recovery. Psychological support is also offered to patients and their families to address mental and emotional needs."
The HA will provide full medical fee waivers for all Wang Fuk Court residents until December 31, 2026. This includes in-patient services, family medicine and specialist out-patient clinics (SOPCs) services (including psychiatry SOPCs), accident and emergency services, day hospitals, day procedures, community services and Chinese Medicine Clinics cum Training and Research Centres under the HA.
The spokesperson added that healthcare staff will continue to provide dedicated care and support throughout the patients' recovery journey, expressing hope that all patients and their families will remain resilient and overcome this traumatic experience as soon as possible.
The Hospital Authority, Photo source: reference image
Appointments to Construction Industry Council announced
The Government today (January 16) announced the reappointment of Professor Thomas Ho On-sing as the chairperson of the Construction Industry Council (CIC) for a one-year term, the appointment of six new non-official members, and the reappointment of 10 incumbent non-official members for a two-year term. These appointments, made by the Secretary for Development in accordance with Section 9 of the Construction Industry Council Ordinance (Cap. 587), are published in the Government Gazette today and will take effect from February 1, 2026.
Professor Thomas Ho On-sing, Photo source: FB of Construction Industry Council
The new non-official members are Mr Chau Sze-kit, Mr Paul Lau Siu-wing, Mr Robin Leung Chi-tim, Dr Lo Wai-kwok, Mr Wong Po-cheung, and Mr Yu Wai-wai. The reappointed non-official members are Mr Marvin Chen, Professor Jack Cheng Chin-pang, Mr Victor Cheung Chi-kong, Mr Danny Hung Cheung-shew, Mr Clarence Leung Wai-kin, Mr Simon Liu Sing-pang, Mr Kevin Ma Hok-ming, Mr Lawrence Ng San-wa, Mr Edwin Tong Ka-hung, and Mr Emil Yu Chen-on.
A spokesman for the Development Bureau said, "We welcome the new members and look forward to working closely with the CIC for the continuous development of the construction industry. We also thank the six outgoing members, namely Mr Thomas Ho Kwok-kwan, Mr Kan Jun, Mr Kwok Hing-wun, Mr Ricky Leung Wing-kee, Mr Tse Wang-yu, and Mr Andrew Young Meng-cheung, for their contributions to the CIC and the construction industry."
The CIC is a statutory body established in February 2007 with the mission to forge consensus on long-term strategic issues concerning the construction industry, convey the needs and aspirations of the industry to the Government, and provide a channel for the Government to solicit advice on all construction-related matters. It also collaborates with the industry to launch various training and caring schemes for industry practitioners, including its work in enhancing construction site safety and strengthening training to address the manpower needs.
Membership of the CIC as from February 1, 2026, will be as follows:
Chairperson
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Professor Thomas Ho On-sing
Members
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Professor Albert Chan Ping-chuen
Mr Chau Sze-kit
Mr Marvin Chen
Professor Jack Cheng Chin-pang
Mr Victor Cheung Chi-kong
Mr Danny Hung Cheung-shew
Mr Paul Lau Siu-wing
Mr Dominic Law Tik-ko
Mr Robin Leung Chi-tim
Mr Clarence Leung Wai-kin
Mr Simon Liu Sing-pang
Dr Lo Wai-kwok
Mr Kevin Ma Hok-ming
Mr Mow Tai-hing
Mr Lawrence Ng San-wa
Professor Alfred Sit Wing-hang
Mr Edwin Tong Ka-hung
Mr Wong Po-cheung
Mr Rex Wong Siu-han
Mr Emil Yu Chen-on
Mr Yu Wai-wai
Permanent Secretary for Development (Works)
Permanent Secretary for Housing
Director of Buildings
