Independent Committee Extends Time to Submit Wang Fuk Court Fire Investigation Report by the End of October

Extension of time granted for Independent Committee in relation to fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po to submit report

The following is issued on behalf of the Independent Committee in relation to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po:

The Independent Committee in relation to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po today (August 18) announced that it has obtained the Chief Executive's agreement to extend the time for submitting its report.

Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Photo by Bastille Post

The Chief Executive announced on December 12, 2025 the establishment of the Committee to review the causes of the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po and related issues, and to make recommendations to prevent similar incidents from occurring again. The target was for the Committee to complete its report within nine months after commencing operations. Following the formal commencement of its work on December 19, 2025, the Committee visited the site at Wang Fuk Court to better understand the situation on the ground. The Committee also issued two rounds of invitations in January to February and in March to April this year respectively to members of the public and organisations for provision of information. In addition, the Committee held a total of 30 days of evidential hearings from March 19 to July 17 this year to hear oral evidence from 80 witnesses, expert reports, and submissions from the legal representatives of the involved parties. The Committee also ascertained the relevant facts through written statements submitted by different individuals and organisations, and evidence submitted in other forms.

The Committee is now continuing to process the written evidence and other materials that are still being received. Such materials include more than 1 million files. Drafting of the report has also started. The issues within the Committee's terms of reference are numerous and complex in nature, and involve many involved parties. As the Committee has to reach its findings and conclusions, and formulate recommendations on the matters within its terms of reference that are grounded in a factual framework, more time is required for it to analyse and study the large amount of information submitted by various parties. In view of this, the Committee has sought the agreement from the Chief Executive to extend the time for submitting its report, and the Chief Executive has given his agreement. Based on the latest progress, the Committee expects to complete its work and submit its report to the Chief Executive by the end of October.

Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Photo by Bastille Post

The Committee will continue to discharge its duties in accordance with the principles of fairness, openness and impartiality. It will carefully review and consider every item of information received from various parties in preparing its report.

Over 2,800 quality job vacancies to be offered at Converging Opportunities Job Fair for the Middle-aged and Elderly

The Labour Department (LD) will hold the Converging Opportunities Job Fair for the Middle-aged and Elderly at MacPherson Stadium in Mong Kok on August 20 and 21, providing a large number of vacancies from property management, catering, transport and other industries for job seekers.

The Labour Department, Photo source: reference image

Over 60 organisations will participate in the two-day job fair, offering over 2 800 quality job vacancies from various industries, among which more than 1 700 are from the property management, catering, and transport industries. About 30 organisations will set up booths and conduct recruitment on the spot each day. A wide variety of positions will be offered at the job fair, including business development specialist, administration officer, customer services officer, technical supervisor (electronic), maintenance technician, clerk, receptionist, chef, barista, sales consultant, security officer and driver, etc. Job seekers can visit the LD's Interactive Employment Service website (www.jobs.gov.hk) for details of the vacancies.

Around 87 per cent of the vacancies offered at the job fair are full-time jobs. Most vacancies offer monthly salaries ranging from $13,000 to $26,000. About 96 per cent of the vacancies require a Secondary Seven education level or below. About 56 per cent are open to job seekers without relevant work experience.

Job seekers can submit job applications during the event and may be selected for on-the-spot interviews. They can also make enquiries about the employment services provided by the LD at its counter inside the venue.

The job fair will be held on August 20 and 21 from 11am to 5.30pm at 1/F, MacPherson Stadium, 38 Nelson Street, Mong Kok (near Mong Kok MTR Station Exit E2). Admission is free, with final admissions at 5pm each day.

Previous job fair in Hong Kong, Photo source: reference image