Hong Kong leader apologises and housing minister resigns after fire investigation exposes failures
Summary
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee apologised after an investigation found serious oversight failures linked to the November 2025 fire at Wang Fuk Court, which killed 168 people. Housing Secretary Winnie Ho resigned, and Lee announced a three-month inquiry into four government departments as officials proposed measures including making bid rigging a crime.Key Facts
- The fire engulfed seven buildings at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po on November 27, 2025.
- The fire killed 168 people, injured 79 and displaced thousands.
- An independent committee found that the Housing Bureau’s checking unit failed to properly supervise maintenance work.
- The Buildings, Fire Services and Labour departments also had shortcomings in overseeing fire hazards, Lee said.
- Ho resigned on Wednesday and Lee said she should bear political responsibility; the investigation found no personal wrongdoing by her.
- The committee said a lighted cigarette likely started the fire and that combustible materials, blocked windows, altered staircase windows and a disabled fire alarm contributed to its spread or death toll.
- Officials proposed criminalising bid rigging in connection with the building’s US$38 million renovation contract.
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