Hong Kong Announces Judge-Led Inquiry Into Residential Fire That Claimed 156 Lives
Hong Kong Launches Judge-Led Inquiry
Hong Kong has launched a judge-led independent inquiry to investigate the city’s deadliest residential fire in decades. The tragic incident at the Wang Fuk Court complex resulted in 156 confirmed deaths, with several residents still unaccounted for. Authorities say the review will focus on the cause of the fire, the rapid spread of the flames, and renovation-related safety concerns.
Chief Executive John Lee announced the decision at a press briefing on Tuesday. He stated that a transparent, independent examination is essential to strengthen public trust and to ensure safer building practices across the city.
Criminal Investigations Underway
Police have arrested 15 individuals on suspicion of manslaughter. A separate corruption investigation has resulted in the arrest of 12 more people. Officials have not confirmed whether any of the arrests are linked across both inquiries.
Preliminary findings point to substandard plastic mesh and insulation foam used during renovation works. Authorities believe these materials allowed the fire to spread quickly across seven of the estate’s eight residential towers, home to more than 4,000 residents.
Search and Rescue Efforts Continue
Emergency teams have finished inspecting most of the damaged towers. They recovered victims in stairwells and on rooftops where many attempted to escape the smoke. Around 30 people remain missing, and officials say searches in the most severely damaged structures may continue for several weeks.
Community groups have called for clarity and accountability, while international organisations have emphasised the importance of open communication with the public.
Residents Had Raised Concerns Last Year
The city’s Labour Department confirmed that residents had reported fire-safety concerns as early as September 2024. Their complaints included worries about the flammability of mesh placed over bamboo scaffolding during building works.
Recent testing showed that several mesh samples did not meet fire-retardant standards. Investigators added that some materials used in hard-to-inspect areas were likely missed during safety checks.
Officials also reported issues with foam insulation used on window structures and malfunctioning fire alarms within the complex.
City and Global Communities Pay Tribute
Thousands of residents have gathered near the site to pay their respects. The victims include local residents and several migrant domestic workers from Indonesia and the Philippines.
Candlelight vigils are planned in Hong Kong, Tokyo, Taipei and London.
At a memorial service marking the seventh day after the tragedy, mourners offered lotus-shaped paper tributes symbolising hope and spiritual renewal.
Bryan Kam, general manager of a local funeral centre, said,
“People are coming together to support one another. Collective healing is important as the community processes this loss.”
Temporary Support for Displaced Residents
Authorities have relocated nearly 1,500 residents from evacuation centres to temporary housing. Another 945 people are staying in hostels and hotels.
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reported that more than 200 pets were rescued, although over 60 animals sadly did not survive.
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