Name: Hong Kong vows reform after fatal Wang Fuk Court fire
Uploaded: 2025-12-02T14:22:05.949Z
Duration: 1 min 56 s
Description: Hong Kong’s leader vowed reforms and announced an independent committee after the Wang Fuk Court fire killed at least 151 people. Authorities have arrested suspects in manslaughter and graft probes as investigations into the deadly blaze continue.

Hong Kong’s leader vowed reforms and announced an independent committee after the Wang Fuk Court fire killed at least 151 people. Authorities have arrested suspects in manslaughter and graft probes as investigations into the deadly blaze continue.

Hong Kong Island

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee has announced the formation of an independent committee to review the Wang Fuk Court fire, which resulted in over 150 deaths. The committee will examine building work systems and recommend reforms to prevent similar incidents. Police have arrested 15 people on suspicion of manslaughter and detained 12 others in a corruption probe, with investigations ongoing.

Authorities have identified substandard renovation materials as a likely cause of the fire's rapid spread across seven towers. Public anger has led to demands for greater transparency, while vigils are being held to honor the victims, including foreign domestic workers. Around 30 people remain missing, and the affected complex housed over 4,000 residents.

Hong Kong vows reform after fatal Wang Fuk Court fire

In the aftermath of the Wangfuk Court fire in Hong Kong, City Chief Executive John Lee on Tuesday announced plans to form an independent committee to review the tragedy. I call for thorough investigation and serious reform. Therefore, while criminal and fire investigations are proceeding continuously, I will establish an independent committee to conduct comprehensive and in-depth review to reform the building work system and prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. Police have arrested 15 people for suspected manslaughter, while 12 people have been detained in a graft probe. It's unclear if any individuals were implicated in both investigations. Authorities have pointed to renovation work which used substandard plastic mesh and insulating foam. It's thought those items fuelled the blaze that spread across seven high-rise towers. Investigators have combed all but two of the burnt-out towers, finding bodies of residents in stairwells and on rooftops. Around 30 people are still missing. Amid rising public anger, advocacy groups are demanding greater transparency and accountability, as Beijing and Hong Kong warn that attempts to politicise the disaster will be severely punished. Asked about the detention of a student from one of the groups, and two others whom media reported are being investigated for possible sedition, Lee said, I will not tolerate any crimes, particular crimes that exploit the tragedy that we are facing now. He did not comment on the specific cases. Thousands have gathered to honour the victims, who included at least nine Indonesian domestic helpers and one from the Philippines. Vigils are also planned this week in Tokyo, Taipei and London. Wang Fook Court was home to more than 4,000 people. The death toll now stands at more than 150.

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