Stalled reforms block class-action lawsuits after Tai Po fire

Amid ongoing fallout from November's deadly Tai Po fire—which claimed over 160 lives and displaced thousands—Hong Kong residents are pushing for a class-action lawsuit mechanism, but long-delayed legal reforms are standing in the way, as covered in prior reports on government safety pledges.

Residents affected by the Tai Po inferno, including those from Wang Shing House in Wang Fuk Court, are advocating for collective legal action against those responsible. Patrick Lau, 45, who lost his home, said: “If possible, we hope to see a class-action mechanism introduced. If it could help prevent such a tragedy from happening again, we would certainly support it.”

A retiree surnamed Lee, whose mother perished in the fire, plans to pursue legal action and seeks legal aid. Legal experts echo calls to advance the stalled collective redress proposal, spotlighted by the disaster.

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