Hong Kong leader apologises and housing minister resigns after fire investigation exposes failures

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee apologised on Thursday for a fire that ravaged a residential tower block in Tai Po in November 2025, killing 168, injuring 79 and displacing thousands of others. Housing Secretary Winnie Ho resigned Wednesday after her department was found to have failed to supervise the maintenance work. A three-month investigation into conduct will follow, alongside proposals including criminalising bid rigging – related to the building's US $38 million renovation contract.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee apologised on Thursday for a fire that ravaged a residential tower block in Tai Po in November 2025, killing 168, injuring 79 and displacing thousands of others. Housing Secretary Winnie Ho resigned Wednesday after her department was found to have failed to supervise the maintenance work. A three-month investigation into conduct will follow, alongside proposals including criminalising bid rigging – related to the building's US $38 million renovation contract.