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Hong Kong Leader Orders Independent Probe After Deadly Fire Kills 151 at Wang Fuk Court
The Hong Kong government has launched an independent investigation into the Wang Fuk Court tragedy, a devastating fire that killed at least 151 people and left dozens more missing. The complex blaze — which spread across seven interconnected towers undergoing renovation — has triggered public outrage, political scrutiny, and renewed questions about construction oversight in one of the world’s most densely populated cities.
Chief Executive John Lee announced the formation of a judge-led investigative committee, promising full reform and accountability. But victims’ families, human rights groups, and citizens are demanding clearer answers on how one of the deadliest fires in Hong Kong’s modern history unfolded so rapidly.
How the Wang Fuk Court Fire Spread So Quickly
Early findings point to a combination of structural vulnerabilities and renovation hazards. Investigators revealed that the protective mesh netting surrounding the bamboo scaffolding did not meet flame-retardant standards.
Critical factors that accelerated the fire include:
- Highly flammable protective mesh
- Foam insulation that acted as fuel
- Gaps between tower blocks enabling lateral spread
- Failed fire alarms in all eight buildings
- Renovation debris blocking escape routes
According to officials, flames traveled “with extraordinary speed,” moving both vertically and horizontally between towers.
Timeline of the Deadly Blaze
Wednesday, Morning:
Fire erupts at one tower during renovation work.
Minutes later:
Flames spread to neighboring towers via external scaffolding.
Within the first hour:
Multiple blocks fully engulfed; smoke fills stairwells.
Wednesday night:
More than 2,000 firefighters deployed.
Friday morning:
Fire fully extinguished after nearly 40 hours.
Saturday–Monday:
Police begin entering charred towers to recover remains.
Officials warn some bodies were reduced to ash, complicating recovery.
Arrests and Criminal Investigation
Authorities have arrested 13 individuals so far, including:
- Construction company directors
- Site managers
- Subcontractors
They face charges related to manslaughter, negligence, and use of uncertified materials.
Police indicate that more arrests may follow pending lab results and witness statements.
Government Response and Public Backlash
Chief Executive John Lee acknowledged systemic failures but avoided directly addressing calls for his resignation. When asked why he should remain in office, Lee replied:
“Yes, we need reform. Yes, we identified failures. That is why we must act seriously to plug these loopholes.”
Public anger intensified after reports that:
- Fire alarms did not activate
- Residents had raised safety concerns in 2024
- Officials previously labeled the estate as “low fire risk”
Political Tension Over Arrests of Petition Organizers
In the days following the tragedy, Hong Kong police detained at least three individuals, including a 24-year-old resident, for alleged sedition after they circulated an online petition demanding an independent probe.
Human rights organizations condemned the arrests.
Amnesty International: “Now is the time for transparent investigation, not silencing those who ask legitimate questions.”
Human Rights Watch: “Using national security laws in the aftermath of a mass-casualty disaster is unacceptable.”
More than 10,000 signatures were collected before the petition’s contents were deleted.
Impact on Residents: Elderly Hit Hardest
Wang Fuk Court, built in 1983, housed about 4,600 residents across 1,984 apartments. Nearly 40% were elderly.
Many survivors lost:
- Identification papers
- Homes
- Pets
- Lifelong possessions
Over 1,100 people have been moved into temporary housing.
Safety Oversight Failures Under Review
The Buildings Department has now paused construction on 30 private projects across the city while materials are tested.
Key safety lapses under investigation:
- Flammable scaffolding mesh
- Faulty insulation
- Poor renovation oversight
- Disabled fire alarms
- Inadequate escape routes
Officials estimate the full investigation will take three to four weeks.
Why This Fire Is Historic
Hong Kong’s Deadliest Fires:
- 1918: Happy Valley Racecourse Fire — 600+ dead
- 1948: Warehouse blaze — 176 dead
- 2025: Wang Fuk Court Fire — 151 dead (and rising)
This tragedy is now among the top three worst in the city’s history.
What Happens Next
The judge-led committee will examine:
- Renovation oversight
- Certification of building materials
- Fire alarm system failures
- Evacuation and firefighting response
- Accountability of contractors, management, and officials
Findings will lead to:
- Legislative recommendations
- Construction law reform
- Mandatory safety inspections across residential blocks
More updates are expected in the coming weeks.
