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Hong Kong Housing Secretary Winnie Ho resigns after fatal Wang Fuk Court fire inquiry
Hong Kong Housing Secretary Winnie Ho has resigned to take political responsibility following an independent inquiry into the Wang Fuk Court fire, which killed 168 people and injured 79. Chief Executive John Lee and seven other senior officials issued a formal apology during a press conference regarding the findings.
The inquiry concluded that the fire, which began on November 26, 2025, was most likely caused by a lit cigarette on a flat roof. The investigation found that government departments failed to supervise renovation work effectively. Contributing factors included the use of non-fire-retardant foam boards, scaffolding nets, and canvases, as well as the shutdown of the fire alarm system. The inquiry also noted that staircase windows had been blocked by panels, which allowed smoke to enter escape routes.
While the inquiry blamed the renovation consultant, Will Power Architects Company, and the main contractor, Prestige Construction & Engineering Co, for cutting corners, John Lee stated that no personal wrongdoing by Ho was found. Ho, who joined the government in 1992, resigned on October 28, 2024, following the inquiry's release.
Entities
Hong Kong Housing Bureau · John Lee · Prestige Construction & Engineering Co · Wang Fuk Court · Will Power Architects Company · Winnie Ho
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The fire was most likely started by a lit cigarette on a flat roof. www.independent.co.uk
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Will Power Architects Company and Prestige Construction & Engineering Co were blamed for cutting corners. www.independent.co.uk
- [● 3 SOURCES] Winnie Ho resigned from her position as Housing Secretary. www.stheadline.com · www.independent.co.uk
- [○ 1 SOURCE] John Lee stated that no personal wrongdoing by Winnie Ho was found. www.independent.co.uk
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Wang Fuk Court fire killed 168 people and injured 79. www.independent.co.uk
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The inquiry found government departments failed to supervise renovation work. www.independent.co.uk
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Non-fire-retardant foam boards, scaffolding nets, and canvases were used during renovations. www.independent.co.uk
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The fire alarm system had been shut down. www.independent.co.uk