7 people, 2 firms face manslaughter, other charges over deadly Hong Kong fire

Seven individuals and two companies have been charged with 25 offenses, including manslaughter, conspiracy to defraud, money laundering, attempting to pervert the course of public justice, and tax evasion. These charges stem from Hong Kong's deadliest fire in recent history, which occurred at Wang Fuk Court in November of the previous year. The defendants, who held various roles in the building's renovation, including directors and a registered inspector, appeared at West Kowloon Court. These are the first charges laid against those deemed responsible for the blaze that claimed 168 lives. The charges were brought by Hong Kong police and the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).

Hong Kong authorities have charged two companies and seven individuals in connection with the deadly fire at the Wang Fuk housing complex last November, which claimed 168 lives and was the city's deadliest in over 70 years. The charges include manslaughter, conspiracy to defraud, attempting to pervert the course of public justice, and tax evasion. The accused include the project consultancy firm, the main contractor, directors from both companies, and the registered inspector at the consultancy. These charges follow earlier arrests by the anti-graft watchdog and police, who had detained dozens of people on allegations of manslaughter and fraud. The investigation targets those involved in the renovation of the complex.

Hong Kong authorities have charged seven individuals and two companies in connection with a deadly fire that killed 168 people on November 26, 2025. The charges include manslaughter and conspiracy, along with allegations of money laundering, attempting to pervert the course of public justice, and tax evasion. The individuals were involved in a major renovation project at Wang Fuk Court, a residential estate in Tai Po, and the companies charged are the project consultancy firm and the main contractor. These charges follow earlier arrests made by police and the Independent Commission Against Corruption. An ongoing inquiry into the fire's cause has suggested that human error led to the failure of most fire safety systems.