An independent, judge-led committee investigating the deadly Tai Po fire at Wang Fuk Court concludes its public hearings after examining extensive evidence and hearing witnesses. The inquiry, chaired by Justice David Lok Kai-hong, begins its public proceedings on March 19 and holds a total of 30 public sessions over several rounds. Sources report that the committee reviews more than 1 million files and hears from about 80 witnesses. The hearings focus on the causes of the blaze that breaks out on November 26, 2025, and kills 168 people, making it Hong Kong’s deadliest fire since 1948, and displaces nearly 5,000 residents.
In the final phase, multiple parties make closing submissions and statements. Committee counsel is expected to deliver closing remarks covering the causes of the fire and the roles and responsibilities of involved parties. The government also delivers its closing statement, with testimony and submissions characterising the incident as involving multiple layers of human failure. After the oral hearings end, the panel finalises its findings, with a report expected in about a month.
