Investigation into Tai Po fire to conclude within nine months

John Lee, chief executive of China’s Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, announced on Friday that an independent committee would have nine months to investigate the Wang Fuk Court fire that occurred in late November.

Lee noted that the committee’s investigation would focus on the causes and circumstances of the fire, and whether systemic issues exist in large-scale building management and renovation projects. The committee would also examine whether the current regulations and penalties are sufficient in these two areas and will make relevant recommendations. The investigation reports are expected to be made public.