Hop On misses court deadline for fire-hit estate owners' meeting

The administrator of Hong Kong's Tai Po estate, Hop On Management Company, failed to meet a court-imposed deadline to hold a general meeting with flat owners following the deadly fire last November that killed 168 people and displaced nearly 5,000. On April 29, 247 owners of Wang Fuk Court—representing over 12% of its 1,984 households—petitioned Hop On to convene an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) to address the aftermath, citing the Building Management Ordinance. The Lands Tribunal had dismissed Hop On's attempt to postpone the EGM, ruling it lacked authority to do so. The meeting was scheduled for June 13, 2026, but Hop On issued a notice of delay that same day, stating it was unable to hold the EGM due to 'unprecedented and exceptional circumstances.'

Hop On assured residents it had been preparing for the meeting while dedicating resources to related tasks, and vowed to make new arrangements as soon as possible. The delay frustrates displaced owners seeking accountability and clarity on management's handling of the disaster. The fire, one of Hong Kong's deadliest, has raised questions about building safety and emergency response. Owners are demanding follow-up on compensation, repairs, and long-term housing solutions. The missed deadline may further erode trust in Hop On's ability to manage the estate's recovery, as legal timelines under the Building Management Ordinance remain unresolved.