🔍 Here's the latest: At a press briefing on Friday, John Lee, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, announced that the investigation into the tragic residential fire in Tai Po will wrap up within nine months ⏳.
Lee has appointed Justice David Lok and two other experts to form an independent commission. Their mission? Figure out what sparked the blaze and check if any renovation work broke the rules — because no one should have to worry about unsafe upgrades in the place they call home.
The fire broke out on November 26 in Tai Po, a neighborhood famous for its mix of vintage tenement blocks and modern flats. As of December 9, authorities confirmed 160 people lost their lives and six remain missing. It's a stark reminder of why building safety standards matter everywhere, from Hong Kong to our own cities in Southeast Asia and South Asia.
The report is due by next September. We'll keep you posted as this probe unfolds and lessons emerge — because accountability and safety are top priorities for any fast-growing urban center.
Stay tuned for updates.
Reference(s):
Hong Kong residential fire report due within 9 months, John Lee says
cgtn.com
