Hong Kong to Revamp Construction System After Deadly Fire

In the wake of a tragic fire in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district that claimed 159 lives, Chief Executive John Lee announced plans to establish an independent commission aimed at reforming the city’s construction system. This action is part of a broader initiative to prevent similar disasters in the future.

At a news conference on Tuesday, Lee emphasized the urgent need for reform following the devastating incident that occurred in late November. “We must navigate the challenges posed by vested interests and ensure accountability,” he stated, underscoring the importance of uncovering the truth and delivering justice for both the deceased and their families.

Authorities have arrested 13 individuals on manslaughter charges, while the Independent Anti-Corruption Commission apprehended nearly a dozen more for alleged corrupt practices linked to the disaster.

According to police reports, all seven affected buildings have been thoroughly searched, and 140 out of the 159 victims have been identified. The fire department received the emergency call around 2:50 PM on November 26, with the situation escalating to Alert 5—Hong Kong’s highest alert level—by 6:22 PM. Eyewitness accounts described a harrowing scene of flames consuming the tower and dark smoke pouring out from numerous floors.

An 83-year-old retiree, Jang Kwon-tak, mentioned to local news that despite the building having a fire alarm system, it failed to activate during the blaze. “If anyone was asleep at that moment, they didn’t stand a chance,” he reflected, a sobering reminder of the tragedy’s gravity.

Lee stated that the investigation had revealed failures at multiple levels, urging decisive actions to close existing gaps and ensure responsible parties are held accountable. “We will address the critical bottlenecks, reforming the entire building renovation framework to prevent this from happening again,” he reassured the public.

Meanwhile, Development Secretary Bernadette Lin Hong-ho announced that the Department of Buildings is set to review safety regulations concerning scaffolding and protective netting, specifically following this fire. While noting that bamboo structures, commonly used in construction, are generally less fire-resistant, she suggested that industry non-compliance might have played a more significant role than the materials used.