Hong Kong leader orders independent judicial review of deadly Tai Po fire

Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, John Lee Ka-chiu, has announced the creation of an independent review committee, led by a judge, to investigate the causes of the deadly fire in Tai Po that has claimed 151 lives.

Speaking on December 2 before his weekly meeting with the city’s Executive Council, Lee said the committee will aim to uncover the truth behind the blaze and facilitate “systematic reform” to prevent similar tragedies.

“As criminal investigations are ongoing, I will establish an independent committee, chaired by a judge, to examine why the fire broke out and spread so rapidly, and to prevent comparable disasters in the future,” Lee stated.

To ensure credibility, he said he would coordinate with the judiciary to appoint a judge as chair, and emphasized that the committee will carry out its work with “high efficiency.”

Lee identified eight priority areas for immediate review. These include safety requirements, standards, supervision, and routine maintenance of construction works. Another key focus will be systemic issues in the construction process, such as inappropriate connected interests, conflicting roles, and collusion.

The committee will also review the adequacy of safety standards for construction materials and establish a current, verified inventory of approved materials.

In addition, the investigation will assess the responsibilities of regulatory personnel at all stages of the project chain, including government departments and licensed professionals. It will examine corruption, bid-rigging, and irregular tendering practices in the building maintenance sector, as well as oversight of fire safety system installation and operation in buildings.

The committee will further evaluate accountability measures and the sufficiency of existing legislation and penalties related to construction and fire safety.

The Wang Fuk Court fire in Tai Po on November 26 has killed at least 151 people, with 39 individuals still missing.

By Tamilla Hasanova