Hospital Authority says 17 injured in Tai Po fire remain hospitalized

Seventeen patients injured in the fatal fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po remain hospitalized, while all others have been discharged or are in stable condition, the Hospital Authority said.

Hospital Authority Chairman Henry Fan Hung-ling said the authority admitted a total of 79 patients following the blaze. Nineteen of them were in critical condition at the time of admission. After receiving intensive medical care, all patients are now in stable condition, with 17 still undergoing treatment in hospitals.

Fan said he was proud of the professionalism and dedication shown by medical staff during the emergency response, and expressed gratitude to frontline healthcare workers for their efforts.

The Hospital Authority also announced financial assistance measures for staff affected by the incident.

Through its charitable fund, the authority has raised HK$14 million to date. Families of two Hospital Authority employees who died in the fire will each receive an ex gratia payment of HK$1 million.

In addition, 53 staff members who lost their homes in the fire will receive HK$150,000 per household to help them cope with immediate needs.

The authority said it will also establish an emergency assistance fund as a standing support mechanism, with the aim of providing timely help to staff during crises and strengthening care and support within the organization.