Tai Po fire inquiry: hard-hitting report on tragedy set to be released

The Hong Kong government is preparing to release a highly critical report by an independent committee investigating the deadliest blaze in the city in decades. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu is set to hold a press conference with top officials to announce the reforms and actions following the tragedy at the Wang Fuk Court housing estate, which claimed 168 lives.

Sources indicate that at least one senior official will face consequences for their role in the disaster as part of comprehensive and far-reaching reforms to be announced on Thursday. The report, released 11 months after the fire, is expected to hold the main contractor for the renovations, the project consultant, and an inspector responsible for their alleged roles in the tragedy.

Additionally, four government departments are anticipated to be criticized for their accountability. The judge-led committee is expected to blame the Housing Bureau’s Independent Checking Unit for failing to oversee the renovation work adequately. Other departments facing criticism include the Fire Services Department, the Buildings Department, and the Labour Department.

The government plans to introduce legislation to make bid-rigging a criminal offense and reform the supervision of engineering and renovation contractors. A high-level steering committee, led by the chief secretary, will be established to monitor the progress of these reforms.