Investigation Launched in Devastating Hong Kong Fire that Claimed 151 Lives

Tue Dec 02 2025 20:21:57 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee has ordered an independent investigation into a deadly fire at Wang Fuk Court housing complex, which has been confirmed as the most fatal in the city's history. The tragedy has raised serious concerns about safety regulations and emergency preparedness.

An independent investigation has been ordered by Hong Kong's Chief Executive, John Lee, following a catastrophic fire at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex that resulted in at least 151 deaths. The blaze, deemed the deadliest in over 70 years, has led to the arrest of construction firm directors and sparked a debate on building safety standards. The investigation aims to uncover the cause of the fire, which was exacerbated by failed flame-retardant materials and malfunctioning alarms. Criticism has emerged concerning the treatment of those advocating for transparency in the inquiry.

Hong Kong's leader John Lee has ordered the creation of an independent committee to investigate the cause of a devastating fire that killed at least 151 people.

Last Wednesday, seven of eight tower blocks at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex - which had been undergoing extensive renovations - went up in flames. Investigators have since found that a protective netting used around the buildings failed to meet flame retardant standards.

At least 13 people have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, including the directors of a construction company.

The fire is the deadliest the city has seen in more than 70 years and the death toll could rise further as officials continue to recover bodies.

Chief Executive Lee said that the committee would be led by a judge and would conduct comprehensive reform, adding that he would work to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

Asked at a news conference why he should keep his job, Mr. Lee acknowledged that reform was needed but failed to directly address the question.

Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a big fire. Yes, we need reform. Yes, we have identified failures in different stages. That is exactly why we must act seriously to ensure that all these loopholes are plucked, he said.

The fire - which spread quickly both upwards and between the blocks - was only fully doused by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it started, and took more than 2,000 firefighters to bring under control.

Several residents have said they did not hear a fire alarm when the blaze broke out. Hong Kong's fire service found that alarms in all eight blocks were not working effectively.

Hong Kong's buildings department has temporarily suspended works on 30 private projects.

Separately, police have reportedly detained a 24-year-old man on suspicion of sedition. He was part of a group that had petitioned for an independent inquiry into the fire.

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both criticized the reported arrests, stressing the need for a transparent investigation into the tragedy.