Overview
- The Wang Fuk Court blaze began on November 26, 2025, swept through seven of eight towers and killed about 168–169 people while displacing thousands.
- The independent inquiry wrapped public hearings in mid‑July after reviewing more than 1 million documents and hearing roughly 80 witnesses over 30 sessions.
- Lead counsel Victor Dawes said the disaster was "preventable but not prevented," and argued evidence points to a likely ignition by a discarded cigarette.
- The inquiry accused the contractor and consultant of cutting corners, fabricating certificates and using combustible materials that sped the fire’s spread.
- The government has admitted systemic inspection and enforcement gaps, a construction-site smoking ban has taken effect, criminal prosecutions are ongoing and the panel’s report is expected to recommend tighter vetting, stronger enforcement and clearer departmental roles.