Hong Kong leader John Lee calls for accountability over deadly apartment block fire

Описание: (2 Dec 2025)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Hong Kong - 2 December 2025
1. Wide of press conference with Hong Kong's local leader, Chief Executive John Lee
2. SOUNDBITE (English) John Lee, Hong Kong Chief Executive:
"Yes, it is a tragedy. It is a big fire. Yes, we need a reform. Yes, we have identified failures in different stages. That is exactly why we must act seriously to ensure that all these loopholes are plugged. So that those who are responsible will be accountable."
3. Wide pan left of presser
4. SOUNDBITE (English) John Lee, Hong Kong Chief Executive:
"We must uncover the truth, ensure that justice is served, let the deceased rest in peace, and provide comfort to the living. Therefore, while criminal and fire investigations are proceeding continuously, I will establish an independent committee to conduct a comprehensive and in-depth review, to reform the building work system and prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future."
5. Lee walking out of press conference
STORYLINE:
Hong Kong will set up an independent committee of inquiry headed by a judge to determine the cause of a deadly apartment block fire that shocked the city, and to make recommendations to prevent a similar tragedy from happening again, its leader said Tuesday.

John Lee, the chief executive of the Chinese region, pledged to overcome vested interests and bring about systemic change in the construction industry after a fire that killed at least 151 people last week. He said 30 others remain missing.

“We must uncover the truth, ensure that justice is served, let the deceased rest in peace and provide comfort to the living,” he told reporters at a weekly press conference.

The fire broke out last Wednesday around scaffolding at the Wang Fuk Court complex in the Tai Po district and spread to seven of the complex's eight towers. They were home to more than 4,600 people and many have been left homeless. Forty people remain hospitalized, Lee said.

At least 14 people have been arrested so far by the city’s anti-corruption body and police, including scaffolding contractors, company directors and an engineering consultant, as authorities probe suspected corruption and negligence in a renovation project at the housing complex.

The initial investigation has focused on why the fire expanded so rapidly, overwhelming firefighting efforts.

Lee refused to comment on media reports that people were arrested last weekend in what some saw as an attempt to snuff out criticism of the government, including one person who was reportedly involved in a petition calling for government accountability and arrested on suspicion of inciting sedition.

Authorities have cited both high winds and substandard materials used for the maintenance work.

Contractors were found to be using substandard netting, authorities said on Monday. Among the 20 samples of netting investigators collected at the complex, seven were found to have failed safety standards.

Lee said that those responsible had mixed substandard netting with qualified materials tricks inspectors.

The entire building renovation system in Hong Kong will be reformed, he vowed.

John Burns, an honorary professor of politics and public administration at the University of Hong Kong, said that investigation results will likely be credible as the government seeks to reassure the public.

Lee said that 2,500 people have been moved into transitional housing units, some in government housing and others in hostels and hotels. About 20 people remain in shelters that housed hundreds on the first night.

AP video shot by Alice Fung



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