Housing Department restores power, replaces locks after fatal Shek Kip Mei fire

The Housing Department said electricity supply has now been restored to all flats at Mei Yue House in Shek Kip Mei Estate, except for the fire-damaged unit and two other units on the same floor where occupants remain hospitalized and safety inspections could not yet be conducted.

The department rolled out a series of support measures following a fatal fire at the building, including coordinating safety inspections with utility companies and restoring power to most affected flats.

The measures came after a fire broke out on the morning of January 4 in a unit on the 21st floor of Mei Yue House. One person was confirmed dead and eight others were injured, according to police.

Housing Department staff were dispatched to the scene to assist with the evacuation of about 200 residents, who were temporarily sheltered at two nearby schools.

As a precaution, the department contacted the gas company to inspect gas pipelines throughout the building, while contractors were arranged to check electrical safety on the fire-affected floor.

The Water Supplies Department was also notified to carry out emergency replacement of damaged water meters, and contractors were deployed to inspect water supply conditions in individual flats.

Meanwhile, as some flat doors were forcibly opened during firefighting and rescue operations, the department arranged for contractors to replace door locks for affected residents.

Apart from the fire-affected floor, Mei Yue House was unsealed at about 1.15pm on Sunday, while the 21st floor was reopened later at around 4.15pm.

After the building was reopened, some flats initially remained without electricity. Housing Department staff provided residents with flashlights and worked with district care teams to distribute meal boxes, drinking water, and charging devices.