Hong Kong leader apologises after deadly tower fire; housing minister resigns
Chief Executive John Lee expressed regret over a November fire that killed 168 people, as the housing secretary stepped down following investigation findings.
At a glance
- Fire in Tai Po residential tower in November 2025 killed 168 and injured 79
- Housing Secretary Winnie Ho resigned after department found to have failed supervision
- Three-month investigation into conduct underway with proposals to criminalise bid rigging
- Thousands displaced by the fire
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee apologised on Thursday for a residential tower fire in Tai Po in November that killed 168 people and injured 79 others, displacing thousands. Housing Secretary Winnie Ho resigned Wednesday after an investigation determined her department failed to oversee maintenance work on the building.
A three-month investigation into conduct is underway. Proposals being considered include criminalising bid rigging related to the building's renovation contract, valued at US $38 million.
Why it matters
The fire and subsequent resignations highlight questions about building maintenance oversight and contract management in Hong Kong's housing sector.
Original reporting
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