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HK inquiry concludes Tai Po fire probe that killed 168 people
The panel cited systemic failures tied to combustible materials during a HK$336 million facade renovation and said responsibility between government departments was unclear.
An independent inquiry into the Tai Po fire in Hong Kong has concluded after examining more than 1 million files and hearing from 80 witnesses across 30 public sessions, with the blaze killing 168 people, according to SCMP Economy. The hearings began on March 19 and wrapped up on Friday, with the panel chaired by Justice David Lok Kai-hong.
Lok said the investigation and hearings were intended to draw lessons and prevent a repeat of the tragedy. SCMP Economy reports that lead counsel Victor Dawes SC argued there was no single simple cause, pointing instead to a chain of failures.
The inquiry found that combustible materials accumulated at the renovation site, authorities were unable to curb their use, and there was an unclear division of responsibility among government departments, SCMP Economy said. It also examined evidence and testimony related to the Wang Fuk Court fire, Hong Kong’s deadliest blaze since 1948.
The fire broke out on November 26, 2025, engulfing seven of the estate’s eight buildings. SCMP Economy reports that at the time, all blocks were covered in scaffolding for a HK$336 million (US$42.85 million) facade renovation, and that the contractor selected by homeowners, Prestige Construction and Engineering, submitted the highest bid, raising early concerns from some residents about possible bid-rigging.