Hong Kong Forms Independent Panel to Probe Deadly Fire

Hong Kong’s chief executive announced Tuesday the creation of an independent committee, chaired by a judge, to investigate the devastating apartment-complex fire that killed 151 people last week, the city’s deadliest blaze in decades.

Authorities reported that the fire spread rapidly through external scaffolding wrapped in mesh that failed to meet fire-resistance standards, allowing flames to race up the building and overwhelm residents.

Chief Executive John Lee said at a press conference that the new committee will conduct a comprehensive review of the construction and building works system to prevent similar disasters.

While Hong Kong has a legal mechanism for “commissions of inquiry,” historically led by judges under British colonial practice, Lee used a different term, calling this body an “independent committee.”

Lee noted that investigators have already identified multiple failures across safety standards, oversight mechanisms, construction practices, and maintenance procedures. He stressed that major reforms will be required.

“We must act decisively to close these gaps and hold those responsible to account,” he said. “We will overhaul the entire building-renovation system to ensure such tragedies do not happen again.”

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and the police, conducting a joint investigation, have arrested 14 people linked to the incident.