HKSAR Chief Executive Orders Full Investigation Following Tragic Fire
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chief Executive John Lee announced on Tuesday the establishment of an independent commission, led by a judge, to investigate the residential fire that claimed 151 lives and injured 79 people. The blaze, one of the deadliest in the region’s recent history, has prompted urgent calls for systemic reforms.
Lee confirmed that three task forces are actively pursuing accountability, with police addressing approximately 30 unresolved missing persons cases. “No responsible party will escape punishment,” he stated, emphasizing the government’s commitment to transparency.
Support Measures and Long-Term Reforms
Over 2,500 affected residents have been relocated to transitional housing and hotels, with temporary shelters operational since the disaster. Lee pledged continued rescue efforts and assistance for families to rebuild their homes, vowing that “no affected family will be abandoned.”
The commission will analyze failures across emergency response and building safety systems, with findings to inform future policy. Lee stressed the need to “restore societal normalcy” while ensuring the December 7 Legislative Council election proceeds as scheduled.
