First charges laid over deadly Hong Kong fire

Hong Kong authorities have announced the first criminal charges following the Wang Fuk Court blaze that erupted on 21 November 2023, killing 168 people. Two companies — Will Power Architects and Prestige Construction & Engineering — and seven individuals face a combined 25 charges, ranging from manslaughter to tax evasion and corruption.

The investigation revealed serious safety breaches: fire alarms were deactivated, windows boarded with flammable foam, and workers reportedly left lit cigarette butts on the site. The lead lawyer of an independent inquiry, Victor Dawes, said the “nearly all fire safety systems … failed because of human factors.”

Chief among the charges is manslaughter for the deaths of 168 residents. A 52‑year‑old director of Prestige, Ho Kin‑yip, a 40‑year‑old director of Will Power, Wong Hap‑yin, and the firm’s registered inspector, Ng Yeuk (44), were all denied bail on Wednesday after earlier arrests. Each is also prosecuted by Hong Kong’s anti‑graft watchdog for fraud, money laundering and attempts to hide a bag of cash during investigations.

Police have arrested 35 people on manslaughter and fraud allegations, while the corruption watchdog has detained 23 more, including consultants and members of the owners’ corporation. The court case is adjourned to 2 September to allow additional inquiries.

In the wake of the tragedy, authorities warned media against spreading “false information” or “smear” tactics. Just a week after the fire, Hong Kong’s national security police arrested columnist Wong Kwok‑ngon for publishing “seditious” content about the government’s response.