Hong Kong to form judge-led committee to probe Wang Fuk Court fire that claimed 151 lives

Hong Kong will establish an independent committee led by a judge to investigate Wang Fuk Court fire, which killed 151 people.

The announcement was made by Chief Executive John Lee on 2 December 2025, who said the inquiry would examine the cause of the blaze and the rapid spread of flames.

Lee said the committee would also scrutinise how renovation works may have contributed to the disaster.

According to officials, the blaze was intensified by substandard plastic mesh and insulation foam used on the buildings.

Police have arrested 13 people on suspicion of manslaughter.

Separately, the anti-corruption body has detained 12 individuals in a graft investigation linked to the same renovation works.

Authorities have not confirmed whether any of the suspects are under arrest for both manslaughter and corruption.

Officials said investigators have searched five of the seven affected towers, finding victims in stairwells and on rooftops.

Around 30 people remain unaccounted for.

Search teams continue to work through the two towers that suffered the most extensive structural damage.

Public pressure has grown as residents and advocacy groups call for transparency.

Beijing and Hong Kong authorities have warned against “politicising” the incident.

Media reports say a student from one group, and two others, are being investigated for possible sedition.

Lee said he would “not tolerate any crimes” exploiting the tragedy but did not comment on specific cases.

Amnesty International said Hong Kong should focus on transparent investigations rather than “silencing those who ask legitimate questions”.

Human Rights Watch issued similar concerns about the reported arrests.

China’s national security office warned individuals not to use the disaster to “plunge Hong Kong back into the chaos” of 2019.

The office said those attempting to “disrupt Hong Kong through disaster” would face strict penalties.

Legislative elections scheduled for Sunday will proceed as planned.

The fire has renewed scrutiny of safety oversight and past resident complaints.

The Labour Department said residents of Wang Fuk Court had raised concerns in September 2024.

These concerns included the flammability of the green mesh wrapped around bamboo scaffolding.

According to investigators, tests on mesh samples taken on 1 December 2025 did not meet fire-retardant standards.

Chief Secretary Eric Chan said contractors used these materials in concealed areas to avoid detection.

Officials added that faulty foam insulation contributed to the rapid spread of flames.

Fire alarms across the complex were also found to be malfunctioning.

Thousands of residents have attended tributes to the victims.

The dead include at least nine domestic helpers from Indonesia and one from the Philippines.

Vigils are planned in Tokyo, Taipei and London.

Images released by police show hazmat-clad officers examining charred rooms and debris.

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said more than 60 pets died, including 34 cats, 12 dogs and 7 turtles.
More than 200 animals were rescued from the site.

More than 4,000 people lived in the seven residential towers.

Those who survived now face the challenge of rebuilding their lives after losing homes and belongings.

Authorities have moved nearly 1,500 residents from evacuation centres into temporary housing. A further 945 people are staying in youth hostels and hotels.

Emergency funds of HK$10,000 (US$1,284) per household have been offered.

Special assistance is also being provided for the re-issuance of identity cards, passports and marriage certificates.