Hong Kong’s investigation into the deadly fire that consumed the Wang Fuk Court apartment complex last November has concluded, with a committee deeming the tragedy “preventable” but not avoided. The blaze, which claimed 168 lives, is recorded as the deadliest residential building fire worldwide since 1980.

The inferno rapidly engulfed seven of the estate’s eight high-rise blocks, all of which were undergoing renovations at the time. Their exteriors were covered in bamboo scaffolding, protective netting, and foam boards intended for construction purposes. A judge-led inquiry held over 30 sessions since March examined the circumstances leading to the disaster.

Victor Dawes, lead counsel for the committee, said the fire's rapid spread and catastrophic impact were the result of multiple human errors and negligence. He suggested a likely ignition source was a lit cigarette that had been improperly discarded amid the ongoing renovations. Key safety features such as the fire alarm and hose systems were disabled during the renovation works, diminishing the building’s capacity to respond to fire emergencies.

Submissions presented during the hearings pointed to the use of non-fire-retardant netting by contractors, which significantly increased fire risk. In addition, contractors failed to enforce rules against smoking on site and improperly managed combustible construction debris. Alterations to the building's main escape routes were also cited, including the removal of windows from stairwells to facilitate worker access, which inadvertently allowed smoke and flames to spread more quickly.

The inquiry highlighted systemic failures, attributing some responsibility to government authorities for oversight deficiencies. Dawes emphasized that the scale of the disaster should have been preventable and that measures must be taken to ensure such an event does not recur.

Representing the government, counsel Jenkin Suen recognized “weaknesses” in the regulatory system but cautioned against attributing full responsibility to public agencies. He stated that it would be “prejudicial and unfair” to place all blame on government bodies.

Former residents of Wang Fuk Court attended the final hearing, visibly emotional as the committee recounted the fire’s devastating impact. The investigation’s findings underscore significant lapses in safety protocols and regulatory enforcement during building renovations, prompting calls for stricter fire safety oversight in Hong Kong’s construction sector.