CHINA TAIPING(HK:00966) Nan Fang Du Shi Bao·2025-11-28 12:17Core Insights - A severe fire incident occurred in Hong Kong's Tai Po district, resulting in 128 fatalities and 79 injuries, marking the most serious residential fire in nearly a decade [1] - The incident has raised public awareness regarding the role of insurance mechanisms in disaster response, particularly focusing on China Taiping Insurance (Hong Kong) Company as the main insurer involved [1] Group 1: Insurance Coverage - The affected project, Hong Fu Court, is an aging estate undergoing external wall repairs, with scaffolding in place at the time of the fire [2] - China Taiping Insurance (Hong Kong) provided comprehensive insurance coverage for the project, including a total insurance amount of approximately HKD 20.3 billion, covering property, public liability, cash, and personal accident insurance [2] - The insurance policy for the estate is valid from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2026, with a total premium of HKD 337,700 for two years [2] Group 2: Company Performance - In 2024, China Taiping Insurance (Hong Kong) reported insurance service revenue of HKD 3.313 billion, a year-on-year increase of 0.9%, but a significant decline in pre-tax profit by 70.3% to HKD 82 million [3] - For the first half of 2025, the company recorded service revenue of HKD 1.463 billion, a year-on-year decrease of 3.6%, while pre-tax profit rebounded by 74.9% to HKD 145 million [3] Group 3: Emergency Response - Following the fire, China Taiping Insurance (Hong Kong) activated its emergency response mechanism, expressing condolences to victims and their families while initiating claims processing for affected clients [4] - The company is coordinating with affected residents and community support teams to provide immediate assistance and streamline the claims process [4] Group 4: Regulatory Response - The Hong Kong Insurance Authority has established a dedicated task force to coordinate industry support and ensure efficient handling of claims and inquiries from affected individuals [5] - The authority emphasized the importance of insurance as a stabilizing force in society, urging insurers to provide urgent support in the aftermath of the disaster [6]