Hong Kong leader pledges reforms and accountability after Tai Po fire inquiry

A dedicated task force, led by former commissioner for sports George Tsoi Kin-pan and former deputy secretary for security Benjamin Mok Kwan-yu, has reportedly been established under the Public Service Commission to investigate alleged official misconduct.

The fire at Wang Fuk Court on November 26 last year, which occurred while the estate was undergoing renovation, spread through seven of the eight buildings, resulting in 168 fatalities, including one firefighter, and displacing thousands of residents. Following the incident, an independent committee was formed, conducting 30 hearings over four months. Individuals, including residents and officials from departments such as the Fire Services Department and Buildings Department, testified during these hearings, which concluded in July.

Lee indicated that reform initiatives, including enhanced regulations for fire services equipment, disciplinary and penalty mechanisms for professionals, and a new tender evaluation system, were announced in his Policy Address. He did not confirm whether a "Tier II" civil servant accountability mechanism would be activated.

Public hearings have suggested that various government departments, including the Housing Bureau’s Independent Checking Unit, the Fire Services Department, Buildings Department, and Labour Department, shared responsibility for the fire. Senior counsel Victor Dawes, representing the independent committee, stated in July that the government "had an unshirkable responsibility to perform its regulatory role and protect the lives of residents," noting that the government had relied on contractors' self-regulation without adequate oversight.