Hong Kong will aim to complete an independent investigation into the catastrophic high-rise fire that killed at least 160 people within the next nine months, Chief Executive John Lee announced on Friday (Dec 12). The pledge comes more than two weeks after the inferno tore through seven residential towers in Tai Po, triggering one of the deadliest urban disasters the financial hub has faced in decades.
The tragedy, which erupted on Nov 26 near the border with mainland China, displaced thousands of residents and left the city demanding answers about how such a large-scale catastrophe could unfold in a metropolis known for strict building regulations. As grief and anger swirl among survivors and families, pressure has intensified on authorities to demonstrate transparency and accountability.
To address mounting public concerns, the government has established an independent investigative committee chaired by Judge David Lok, who also heads Hong Kong’s Electoral Affairs Commission. Lok will lead a panel tasked with determining the root causes of the blaze and examining potential industry-wide malpractice.
“They all have the passion and the love of Hong Kong, to be so courageous to take up this responsibility and I am really thankful to them, I take my hat off to them,” Lee said during a news conference, praising the professionals appointed to the committee.
According to Lee, the panel’s mandate extends beyond identifying the immediate cause of the fire. It will probe whether deeper structural problems exist within Hong Kong’s construction and renovation sector, including possible conflicts of interest, collusion, and instances of bid-rigging in the awarding of contracts. The committee will also scrutinize supply chains for construction materials, an area now under intense public scrutiny.
Authorities have already pointed to substandard materials used during renovation works in the affected estate as a major factor that fuelled the rapid and uncontrollable spread of the fire. Investigators believe these materials—allegedly cheaper, flammable alternatives to approved components—accelerated the blaze and impeded rescue operations, extending firefighting efforts to nearly two days.
Residents of the devastated complex, many of whom lost homes, belongings, or family members, have voiced fury over what they describe as long-standing negligence and lax oversight. Petitions and public calls have surfaced demanding stronger regulation, greater government accountability, and clearer safety standards for high-density residential developments.
In response, Lee said his administration would work closely with the Legislative Council to “drive institutional reform” in the construction and building safety sectors. He acknowledged that public trust has been shaken and emphasized the need for policy changes to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
“We need to ensure that lessons are learned, and we must strengthen our regulatory frameworks where shortcomings are found,” Lee said. “The community deserves answers, and the government is committed to providing them.”
Meanwhile, multiple criminal and corruption investigations have been launched to determine whether any parties involved in the renovation or management of the housing estate bear legal responsibility. Anti-corruption officials are examining procurement processes, while law enforcement continues to assess whether negligence or malpractice contributed to the scale of the disaster.
As Hong Kong mourns one of its darkest moments in recent memory, the coming months will be critical in shaping how the city addresses chronic issues within its construction ecosystem. For many affected families, however, justice must be swift—and reforms meaningful—before their trust can be restored.
