According to the local government, the charges — brought jointly by police and the Independent Commission Against Corruption — include manslaughter, conspiracy to commit fraud, money laundering, obstruction of justice and tax evasion. The defendants are alleged to have held direct responsibilities in the renovation works at the Wang Fuk Court residential complex, in the Tai Po district.
Those charged include senior figures and inspectors from a consultancy firm involved in overseeing the works, as well as the project’s main contractor. Authorities argue that serious safety failures and irregularities in the execution and supervision of the renovation played a decisive role in the scale of the tragedy.
The fire broke out on 26 November 2025 and spread rapidly through seven of the complex’s eight towers, which were covered in bamboo scaffolding, non-fire-resistant protective netting and foam panels. An independent commission of inquiry concluded that almost all life-saving fire safety measures failed, largely due to human error.
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Investigators also identified cigarette smoking by workers on the scaffolding as the most likely cause of the blaze. In response, the government is considering banning smoking in areas where construction, maintenance or renovation works are being carried out.
Another critical factor highlighted was that fire alarms in seven of the eight towers were switched off at the time of the fire, significantly delaying evacuation and contributing to the high death toll.
The case had already led to dozens of arrests in March as part of parallel investigations by police and the anti-corruption agency. Thousands of residents were left homeless and continue to receive support in temporary accommodation, while judicial proceedings and compensation measures move forward.
