Hong Kong Probe: Deadly 2023 Fire Was 'Preventable'

A Hong Kong investigative panel has concluded that the devastating 2023 fire at Wang Fuk Court, which killed 168 people, was preventable.

The November blaze was the world's deadliest residential fire since 1980, engulfing seven of the complex's eight high-rise blocks. Leading counsel Victor Dawes told the committee the disaster was "preventable but not prevented, and foreseeable but not foreseen."

Evidence indicated the fire likely started from an improperly discarded cigarette. Investigators found that critical fire safety systems, including alarms and hoses, had been switched off for ongoing renovations. Flammable materials used in the building's renovation, such as non-fire-retardant netting, enabled the fire to spread rapidly.

The panel heard that building contractors "knowingly created a massive fire risk." Failures included allowing workers to smoke on site and compromising the main escape route by removing staircase windows.

Government counsel acknowledged systemic weaknesses but argued the primary fault lay with private contractors. The investigative report is due to the government by September. Authorities have already filed manslaughter charges against seven individuals and two companies.