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Hong Kong orders independent inquiry into deadly fire as public demands answers grow
International
Published on 24 April 2026
A judge-led probe will examine what sparked the blaze
Hong Kong’s leader John Lee announced a judge-headed independent committee to investigate the cause of a deadly apartment block fire in Tai Po. The blaze spread from scaffolding across most towers housing over 4,600 residents, leaving many homeless. Forty people remain hospitalized as the inquiry aims to recommend safeguards to prevent similar tragedies.
- Hong Kong will form a judge-led independent inquiry
- Fire began near scaffolding at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po
- Most of the eight towers were affected, displacing residents
- Authorities also plan prevention recommendations after the probe
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This summarization was done by Beige for a story published on 
Republic