An independent committee has launched public hearings into the Nov 26, 2025 fire at Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district - the world’s deadliest residential blaze since 1980. The inferno killed 168 people and engulfed seven of eight towers undergoing renovations, where bamboo scaffolding and foam boards may have accelerated the spread.
Survivors demand answers. Former resident Seneca Lee questioned multiple failure points. Longtime tenant Law expressed disbelief that no alarms sounded. Yip Ka-kui, who lost his wife, called for justice and accountability.
The judge-led probe will examine fire code compliance, construction practices, and potential government or contractor negligence. It will also investigate systemic corruption, including bid-rigging in renovation tenders.
Police have arrested 38 for manslaughter and fraud. Hong Kong’s anti-graft agency separately arrested 23, including consultants and property owners’ committee members.