An independent committee investigating the deadliest fire in Hong Kong in decades has submitted its final report to the government, attributing accountability primarily to four government bodies. The blaze, which occurred at the Wang Fuk Court residential estate in Tai Po on November 26 last year, resulted in 168 fatalities.

According to a source familiar with the report, which spans 12 chapters, the Housing Bureau’s Independent Checking Unit was identified as bearing the greatest responsibility for insufficient oversight of renovation work that contributed to the severity of the fire. The report also assigned varying degrees of responsibility to the Fire Services Department, the Buildings Department, and the Labour Department.

While the committee highlighted failures in these departments, it did not name any bureau secretaries in connection with the tragedy. The Labour Department, in particular, was found to have a lesser share of blame for not acting promptly on residents’ complaints about workers smoking at the site. Civil servants referenced during the inquiry were also singled out in the report.

The judge-led panel conducted 30 public sessions and heard testimony from around 80 witnesses, including residents, firefighters, government officials, and experts. The committee submitted its findings to Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, concluding its work as specified in its terms of reference.

Lee acknowledged the committee’s efforts, characterizing the report as a comprehensive examination of the fire’s causes and recommending reforms. He stated that the government would undertake extensive changes concerning building maintenance supervision, building management, and the regulation of fire service installations. Lee added that the administration intends to carefully review the committee’s findings and plans to announce detailed reform initiatives and accountability measures in the near future.

The government is seeking legal advice on the timing and manner of releasing the report to the public, mindful of ongoing court proceedings related to the incident. Seven individuals and two companies have been charged for alleged roles in the fire. A redacted version of the report may be disclosed as early as next week.

The report further addresses recommendations on construction material standards and measures to prevent bid-rigging. Criticism of the Fire Services Department was included in the committee counsel’s closing remarks, noting that the department failed to detect that the estate’s fire alarm system had been deactivated and neglected its statutory duties. In response, the department has proposed legislative amendments requiring contractors and technicians to obtain prior approval before disabling fire safety systems.

Commentators have highlighted the political and public expectations surrounding the report. Lau Siu-kai, a consultant for the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macau Studies, emphasized the importance of gauging public sentiment before responding to the findings and anticipated that Beijing and the government would act to reinforce governance under the “patriots administering Hong Kong” principle. Veteran political commentator Sonny Lo Shih-hing noted that the public seeks accountability not only from civil servants but also from ministers, though he suggested a cabinet reshuffle might not occur due to the upcoming government transition in July. Lo also recommended the publication of a report detailing the government’s planned reforms to enhance transparency.

Legislative Council security panel chairman Peter Shiu Ka-fai withheld comment on the Fire Services Department’s accountability pending the report’s public release but expressed confidence in the department’s integrity in carrying out its duties.