The government of Hong Kong has begun distributing an emergency cash subsidy of HK$10,000 (about US$1,284) following the city’s deadliest fire in decades that has left at least 128 dead and nearly 80 people injured.
The blaze broke out on Wednesday afternoon at the Wang Fuk Court apartment complex in Tai Po – home to around 4,600 residents.
It burned for over 40 hours before it got “largely” extinguished on Friday morning, according to Hong Kong fire services.
In addition to the emergency cash aid, the government said it will provide a token of solidarity worth HK$200,000 (US$25,690) to the family members of each deceased victim.
Starting next week, a living allowance of HK$50,000 (US$6,422) will also be provided to each affected household.
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Funeral support for fire victims’ families
The Hong Kong government has announced expanded assistance for families of those killed in the deadly Tai Po blaze.
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department said extra cremation sessions and public columbarium niches will be made available to help families arrange services without delay.
The department is also coordinating closely with social workers under the “one social worker per household” initiative.
The government will cover the funeral expenses and waive related fees to further support each bereaved family.
Entertainment events canceled to honor victims
During the mourning period from November 29 to December 1, all government-organized or funded entertainment and celebration events will be canceled or postponed to honor the victims.
National and regional flags at government buildings, including overseas offices, will be flown at half-staff, and officials will limit non-essential public appearances.
Condolence points with signing books will also be set up across all 18 districts for the public to pay their respects.
Full probe launched amid suspected ‘negligence’
Hong Kong’s anti-corruption agency, ICAC, said on Friday it launched a full investigation into possible corruption in the renovation project of Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po.
This follows the police arrest of three men suspected of leaving flammable foam packaging at the site, which is believed to have sparked the deadly fire.
Reports also said some fire alarms in the apartment complex were not working during the incident, forcing residents to alert the neighbors by knocking on doors and ringing doorbells one by one.
Currently, eight individuals have been arrested, including consultants, scaffolding subcontractors and a middleman of the renovation project.
All arrestees are being detained by the ICAC for further enquiries, while the investigation is ongoing.
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