Hong Kong’s top official announced Monday the establishment of a judge-led independent inquiry into the catastrophic apartment building fire that has become one of the city’s deadliest blazes in recent memory, killing 151 people and injuring dozens more.
Chief Executive John Lee confirmed that 79 people sustained injuries in the Wang Fuk Court fire, with 40 victims remaining hospitalized as the community continues to grapple with the tragedy’s aftermath.
The decision to launch a comprehensive investigation comes after preliminary findings suggested that construction materials used during recent renovation work significantly accelerated the fire’s deadly spread through the high-rise complex.
“In order to avoid similar tragedies again, I will set up a judge-led independent committee to examine the reason behind the cause and rapid spreading (of the fire) and related issues,” Lee stated during a press conference on December 2.
The announcement represents a significant response to mounting pressure for accountability following what has emerged as one of Hong Kong’s most devastating residential fires. The independent nature of the inquiry signals the government’s commitment to uncovering the full circumstances that led to such extensive loss of life.
Authorities have indicated that the investigation will focus heavily on the role of renovation materials in fueling the blaze, raising broader questions about building safety standards and oversight of construction work in Hong Kong’s densely populated residential towers.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the special administrative region, where millions of residents live in similar high-rise complexes. The scale of casualties has prompted urgent discussions about fire safety protocols and emergency response procedures in Hong Kong’s towering residential buildings.
The judge-led committee will be tasked with providing a thorough examination of both the initial cause of the fire and the factors that contributed to its rapid and deadly spread throughout the Wang Fuk Court complex. The independent inquiry is expected to deliver recommendations aimed at preventing similar disasters in the future.
As the investigation moves forward, the focus remains on supporting the survivors and families affected by this devastating incident while ensuring that critical safety lessons are learned to protect Hong Kong’s residents in their homes.
