Hong Kong charges 7 people and 2 firms over deadly fire

Hong Kong authorities have charged seven individuals and two companies with offenses including manslaughter and conspiracy in connection with the city's deadliest fire in decades, which occurred in November 2025 and killed 168 people. The blaze engulfed seven apartment buildings in the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in the Tai Po district.

Police and the Independent Commission Against Corruption filed 25 counts against the suspects, alleging money laundering, attempting to pervert the course of public justice, and tax evasion. The seven individuals held various roles in the major renovation of Wang Fuk Court, with the charged companies being the project's consultancy firm and main contractor.

Hau Wah-kin, a director of the contractor, was charged with conspiracy to defraud and released on HK$500,000 bail. The renovation project cost HK$336 million (US$42.9 million). The cases were scheduled for court hearing on Wednesday afternoon.