An independent investigation committee today began hearings into the deadliest fire in Hong Kong since 1948, hearing testimony pointing to the failures that contributed to the blaze killing 168 people.
Former residents and family members of victims have been awaiting answers since November, when the fire devastated seven buildings in the Wang Fuk public housing complex, which housed more than 4,600 people.
In opening remarks, the commission’s lead counsel said the fire is believed to have started on a platform in a light well between two apartments, with cigarette butts found at the scene and on scaffolding.
Victor Dawes identified the factors contributing to the disaster as disconnected fire alarms and hose reel systems, the use of non-fire-resistant scaffolding netting and windows covered with foam panels. “On the day of the fire, almost all the fire safety systems designed to protect lives failed due to human factors,” the lawyer said.
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The fire began on November 26 and rapidly consumed seven of the complex’s eight buildings. Police have arrested 22 people on suspicion of manslaughter and six others on suspicion of fraud. Hong Kong’s anti-corruption agency has also detained 23 people including consultants, contractors and members of the complex’s owners’ association.
The commission, led by a judge and established in December, will also examine whether there were systemic problems — such as bid-rigging in large-scale building maintenance and renovation works. The Hong Kong government said at the time the commission’s work should take nine months.
A firefighter works outside one of the housing blocks of Wang Fuk Court in the aftermath of the deadly November 26 fire, in Hong Kong on November 29, 2025. Photo credits: Philip Fong – AFP
Before the hearing, Phyllis Lo, who lost her mother in the fire, said she hoped to hear conclusions from different parties to get a comprehensive understanding of the incident. “We want to know what caused this disaster and who is responsible. At minimum, we want to know what started the fire and why it spread so quickly that it became completely uncontrollable,” said another former resident, Seneca Lee.
Many former Wang Fuk residents remain in temporary housing scattered across the city. In February, Hong Kong authorities proposed buying back the property rights of fire victims, citing the results of a survey on resident preferences — but the announcement disappointed some residents who wish to rebuild on the original site.
Hong Kong leader John Lee Ka-chiu said on Tuesday the government is working on plans to allow affected residents to visit their apartments and recover some belongings in April.
