Hong Kong government partially to blame for Wang Fuk Court fire, report finds
An independent report has found the Hong Kong government partially responsible for a deadly fire at Wang Fuk Court that killed 168 people. Following the findings, Housing Secretary Winnie Ho has resigned, and Chief Executive John Lee has issued a formal apology.
Why it matters
This is the deadliest residential building fire since 1980, highlighting critical failures in government oversight and building safety regulations.
The blaze killed 168 people in November last year. ( Reuters: Tyrone Siu )
An independent committee has handed down its report into a fire that destroyed several apartment buildings and killed 168 people in Hong Kong.
It found the blaze was likely caused by a cigarette.
The government has established a committee to implement the recommended legislative changes. Criminal proceedings are ongoing.
Link copied Share Share article The Hong Kong government was partially responsible for a catastrophic fire that killed 168 people, a report has found.
The fire at Wang Fuk Court in November 2025 engulfed several residential tower blocks and was the world's deadliest residential building blaze since 1980.
On Thursday Hong Kong chief executive John Lee announced the resignation of Housing Secretary Winnie Ho, the first official to stand down over the inferno.
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