Insurance companies have donated over HK$327M (approx. US$42m) to aid victims of the deadly fire at Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district, the Hong Kong Federation of Insurers (HKFI) said in a statement on 3 December.
An HKFI-led donation drive has raised HK$9.17m for the government’s “Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po”, with YF Life, MSIG, Pacific Insurance, Zurich and Starr being the five largest contributors, according to the federation.
“In the wake of such a tragedy, the insurance industry has turned sorrow into swift action. In addition to launching a series of facilitative measures to assist victims, the industry has also made significant monetary contributions,” the HKFI said in its statement.
“While insurance companies have varying levels of financial resources, they share a common commitment to supporting the victims,” it added.
Apart from the HKFI drive, AIA, Manulife, Prudential, Sun Life, FWD, Ping An, and HSBC have each pledged at least HK$10m in emergency relief. AIA yesterday announced an additional HK$20m donation, bringing its total contribution to victims and the Tai Po community to HK$40m.
The devastating blaze has killed at least 159 people, with many still injured or missing, marking Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades.
Recovery efforts have poured in for the fire victims, with insurers mobilising to provide emergency relief, including dedicated hotlines, streamlining and prioritising claims, premium pauses, and waiving death certificate requirements where possible.
“This tragedy has united our community in grief, but also in determination to support those in need,” said HKFI chief executive Selina Lau.
