Rescue update: Chief Executive Donald Tsang is briefed by Director of Fire Services Gregory Lo at the scene of the fatal building collapse in To Kwa Wan.

Chief Executive Donald Tsang has pledged to investigate the cause of the To Kwa Wan building collapse, which killed four people and injured two others. Government departments will ensure the people affected will be cared for, he said.

The five-storey building at 45 Ma Tau Wai Road collapsed about 2pm yesterday. It was more than 50 years old.

Firemen pulled four men and two women from the rubble. One of the women, aged 40, died before arriving at hospital. A 41-year-old man was certified dead at the scene. Another man and a woman found from the site later were also certified dead at the scene.

A 56-year-old man has been discharged from hospital while a 79-year-old man is in stable condition.

Help deployed

Inspecting the scene yesterday afternoon, Mr Tsang said it was a tragic and frightening incident, and pledged to help those affected.

"We will look after their accommodation tonight, and whatever is needed... to look after their livelihood," he said.

Officers of the Home Affairs and Social Welfare Departments are on site to help with accommodation, food, necessities and counselling. Forty-seven people have been registered with them so far. Two community centres have opened to provide shelter to those affected, while the Lok Sin Tong Benevolent Society will offer them financial help.

Mr Tsang said the cause of the collapse will be thoroughly investigated to prevent similar incidents.

Building inspection

Saying the accident reflects the importance of building repairs, Secretary for Development Carrie Lam said, following the launch of Operation Building Bright, the Government is prepared to implement the Mandatory Building & Window Inspection Scheme, which will be tabled at the Legislative Council on February 3.

Mrs Lam said she has asked the Buildings Department to inspect all old buildings on Ma Tau Wai Road, especially those with similar architecture. The department has evacuated and closed the two adjoined buildings which are also in danger of collapse.

The fallen building had undergone repairs in compliance with a maintenance order issued four years ago. It was issued with another maintenance order this month.

More than 100 firemen, including 20 from the special rescue team, have been deployed. Police have implemented a hotline - 187 8999 - for public enquiries on the casualties.