Key facts
- Missing fire-safety components were found in lifts in at least 80 buildings.
- Taizoom Elevator allegedly omitted fire-rated door frames on 48 lifts at two public housing estates.
- Three individuals, including a company director and two engineers, were arrested on fraud charges.
- The lifts remain structurally safe for daily operation, but the contractor must install missing frames at its own expense.
Hong Kong authorities have mandated all lift contractors to conduct a review of landing doors installed over the last decade. This directive follows a government investigation that uncovered missing fire-safety components in lifts across at least 78 private buildings and two public estates. The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) issued the order on Saturday after discovering significant deficiencies during inspections of Taizoom Elevator Co. (H.K.) Ltd.
The EMSD found that Taizoom Elevator had installed fire-resistant doors on 48 replacement lifts at Tsui Ping (North) Estate and Pok Hong Estate but failed to install the corresponding fire-rated door frames. Despite submitting fire-performance test reports, the critical frame components were never fitted. While the lifts are considered structurally safe for operation, the department has ordered Taizoom to re-inspect all affected machines and install the missing frames within one month at its own expense.
Three men, including a company director and two engineers, have been arrested on suspicion of fraud and making false statements. The EMSD is also conducting citywide inspections of lifts installed by Taizoom and has requested other registered contractors to self-inspect their projects. The Hong Kong Housing Authority has also taken precautionary measures, advising a halt on a major lift modernization project at a third estate.