Tragedy in Hong Kong: Investigation Launched After Deadly Fire Claims 151 Lives

Fri Dec 05 2025 11:37:54 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A catastrophic fire at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex has led to the deaths of at least 151 people in Hong Kong. Authorities have initiated an independent inquiry as mourning spreads across the city.

Following a devastating fire that resulted in at least 151 fatalities at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex, Hong Kong leader John Lee has called for an independent investigation. A protective netting used around the construction site has been deemed non-compliant with fire safety standards, leading to potential manslaughter charges against 13 individuals, including construction executives. As the city mourns, calls for transparency and accountability grow louder amid concerns over fire alarm failures and possible governmental cover-ups.

Hong Kong's leader John Lee has ordered the creation of an independent committee to investigate the cause of a devastating fire that killed at least 151 people.

Last Wednesday, seven of eight tower blocks at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex - which had been undergoing extensive renovations - went up in flames. Investigators have since found that a protective netting used around the buildings failed to meet flame retardant standards. At least 13 people have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, including the directors of a construction company.

The fire is the deadliest the city has seen in more than 70 years and the death toll could rise further as officials continue to recover bodies. Chief Executive Lee said that the committee would be led by a judge and would conduct comprehensive reform, adding that he would work to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

Asked at a press conference why he should keep his job, Mr. Lee acknowledged that reform was needed but failed to directly address the question. The fire spread quickly both upwards and between the blocks and was only fully doused by Friday morning, taking more than 2,000 firefighters to bring under control.

Several residents have stated that they did not hear a fire alarm when the blaze broke out, which fire services confirmed were ineffective across all eight blocks.

Temporary suspension of works on 30 private projects by Hong Kong's buildings department follows the incident as the police also continue their investigation.

Amidst the chaos, reports confirm that a 24-year-old man was detained on suspicion of sedition for participating in a petition for an independent inquiry, with Amnesty International condemning the arrests as an affront to public discourse.