Hong Kong officials filed charges against seven individuals and two companies on Wednesday, alleging offenses that include manslaughter and conspiracy to defraud in connection with the deadliest fire the city has experienced in decades. The tragic incident occurred on November 26, 2025, claiming the lives of 168 people and causing extensive damage to seven apartment buildings in Wang Fuk Court, a community in the Tai Po district.
After months of uncertainty following the devastating fire, former residents and families of the victims have been seeking accountability. Authorities, in a statement released on Wednesday, disclosed that the suspects face a total of 25 charges, including money laundering, attempting to pervert the course of justice, and tax evasion.
The seven accused individuals were involved in various capacities in a significant renovation project at Wang Fuk Court. The two companies implicated are Will Power Architects Company, a project consultancy firm, and Prestige Construction & Engineering Co., the primary contractor for the project.
The defendants, including directors of the companies and a registered inspector from Will Power, appeared in court on Wednesday afternoon. Among those named were Wong Hap-yin, Hau Wa-kin, Ho Kin-yip, Ng Yeuk, Hung Kwok-wai, Chung So-fan, and Lin Min. The defendants acknowledged the charges in court, with most displaying a sense of composure.
In a related development, law enforcement authorities disclosed that a total of 38 individuals were arrested earlier in connection with the fire, with nine facing formal charges. Additionally, 23 individuals were apprehended by the anti-graft agency on suspicions of bribery and conspiracy to defraud.
According to Victor Dawes, a legal representative for an independent investigative committee looking into the fire’s causes, human error led to the failure of almost all fire safety systems on the day of the tragic blaze.