Seven People And Two Companies Charged Over Hong Kong’s Deadliest Fire In Decades

Seven People and Two Companies Charged Over Hong Kong’s Deadliest Fire in Decades Hong Kong authorities have charged seven individuals and two companies with offences including manslaughter and conspiracy to defraud over a devastating apartment fire that killed 168 people in November last year, the city’s deadliest blaze in decades. The fire broke out on November 26, 2025, at the Wang Fuk Court housing estate in the Tai Po district and raged for more than 40 hours, destroying multiple high-rise residential blocks and leaving thousands displaced. Police and the Independent Commission Against Corruption ICAC say the accused face a total of 25 charges, including manslaughter, conspiracy to defraud, money laundering, tax evasion, and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

The two companies charged are a project consultancy firm and the main contractor involved in a major renovation project at the estate at the time of the blaze. Authorities allege that multiple failures linked to the renovation work contributed to the rapid spread and severity of the fire. Investigators say the individuals charged include company directors and project-related professionals who played various roles in overseeing or approving the renovation works. The case has now been adjourned as legal proceedings continue, with further hearings expected in September. The deadly fire prompted one of Hong Kong’s largest joint investigations in recent years, with police and the ICAC reportedly arresting dozens of people as they probed suspected negligence, safety violations, and possible corruption tied to the project. Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing as they work to determine the full chain of responsibility for the disaster, which shocked the city and raised serious concerns about construction safety standards and oversight in high-rise residential developments. For families of victims, the latest charges mark a significant step toward accountability, though officials have warned that the investigation is far from over as prosecutors continue building their case.