Hong Kong Tai Po fire hearing examines causes and accountability

An independent committee is holding a series of hearings on the deadliest fire in Hong Kong in decades that broke out at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po on 26 November 2025. The blaze, which lasted 43 hours, killed 168 people, displaced about 5,000 residents and caused extensive damage during a HK$336 million renovation project.

The hearings, now in their sixth and final round (14‑16 July), have heard written submissions exceeding 400 pages from the government and over 600 pages from the committee lawyers, as well as oral statements from residents, the estate’s management company ISS EastPoint, the Urban Renewal Authority, the Competition Commission, fire‑safety contractors and other parties. Key issues raised include the deliberate shutdown of fire‑alarm and pump systems, the use of non‑fire‑retardant scaffolding netting and foam board window covers, alleged bid‑rigging in the renovation contract, and inadequate oversight by multiple government departments.

Government representatives argued that it would be unfair to place sole blame on the administration, citing systemic weaknesses such as reliance on professional integrity and fragmented inspection mechanisms. Resident lawyers accused contractors of ignoring safety complaints, of using unsafe materials, and of colluding to obtain proxy votes, with district‑councillor Huang Bichao named for her role in gathering authorisation tickets. The fire‑engineering firm Hong Tai Fire Engineering maintained it was only responsible for annual inspections and had no duty to report the alarm shutdown.

The committee will conclude its inquiry with a report containing findings and recommendations on fire‑safety regulation, procurement transparency and the management of large‑scale building works.