Hong Kong vows to finish investigation into Tai Po fire in 9 months

John Lee Ka-chiu, chief executive of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, announced on Friday that an independent committee will have nine months to investigate the Tai Po fire that occurred in late November.

At a press conference, Lee said the committee will be led by Judge David Lok Kai-hong, chairman of the Electoral Affairs Commission, and will also include Legislative Council Finance Committee chairman Chan Kin-por and outgoing MTR Corporation chairman Rex Auyeung Pak-kuen.

Lee noted that the committee's investigation will focus on the causes and circumstances of the fire, and whether systemic issues exist in large-scale building management and renovation projects. The committee will also examine whether current regulations and penalties are sufficient and make relevant recommendations. The investigation reports are expected to be made public.

To complete its work within nine months, Lee said the committee will be granted full authority and flexibility to streamline the investigation process. He also indicated that he may appoint the committee as a commission of inquiry with statutory powers for specific matters.

The fire, which erupted on November 26 in Tai Po, has claimed 160 lives as of 4 p.m. Tuesday, with six people still reported missing, according to authorities.