Hong Kong fire survivors seek apology as inquiry ends

Survivors of Hong Kong's deadliest fire in decades called for an apology and accountability from officials as a months-long inquiry into the Wang Fuk Court disaster ended on Friday.

The November fire killed 169 people and displaced thousands after flames spread through seven of the estate's eight high-rise apartment blocks. The source described it as the world's deadliest residential building fire since 1980.

An independent committee led by a judge heard from leading counsel Victor Dawes that the fire was "preventable but not prevented, and foreseeable but not foreseen". Some residents cried and embraced after the committee's final session, while others said officials should accept responsibility.

Resident Dorz Cheung said there had been a lack of communication across government departments and asked why officials had not apologised. Other residents also criticised what they saw as departments shifting responsibility.

The inquiry heard that Wang Fuk Court residents had repeatedly complained that construction workers renovating the estate were smoking on site, but that the complaints received little response. According to Dawes, evidence suggests the fire was likely caused by a lit cigarette that was not properly disposed of.

The Hong Kong Labour Department had carried out at least 16 inspections but was unable to take enforcement action. Some complaints were referred to the Fire Services Department, which said the issue was outside its remit. A broad ban on smoking at construction sites in Hong Kong came into force on Friday.

The probe also heard that the Urban Renewal Authority had not addressed complaints about the estate's management or checked contractors' qualifications. The government has acknowledged "systemic weaknesses", including limits in inspection scope and frequency. In closing arguments, however, the government said the main causes were the deceit, inaction and deliberate omissions of private actors.

Several residents said that was not enough. Peggy Fung, who is in her 70s and had lived in the complex for more than 40 years, asked why no relevant authorities had apologised. The source said about 1,700 residents were over 65 among more than 4,600 residents, and that 114 of those killed, about 70 percent, were 65 or older.

Harry Leung, described as one of the last residents to leave the complex on the day of the fire, said ultimate regulatory responsibility still rested with the government. Betty Ho, who had lived at Wang Fuk Court for more than 30 years, said officials could not deny responsibility. Yip Ka-kui, who lost his wife and home, said the government must recognise its mistakes before making changes.

The inquiry committee is expected to submit a report to Hong Kong's leader by September. Yip said the report would be a starting point for establishing the record and seeking justice.