A public inquiry in Hong Kong has heard that nearly all life-saving fire safety measures failed on the day a devastating blaze swept through a high-rise housing complex, killing one hundred and sixty-eight people in one of the city’s deadliest disasters in decades.

The findings emerged during the opening hearings into the November twenty-six fire at Wang Fuk Court in the Tai Po district, where flames engulfed seven residential towers in a matter of hours.

The scale and speed of the disaster have left a lasting impact on the city, prompting a comprehensive investigation into its causes.

Counsel to the inquiry stated that the tragedy was the result of multiple failures, with human factors playing a central role.

Evidence presented to the panel indicated that critical fire safety systems—including alarms, equipment and preventative measures—were either ineffective or did not function as intended on the day of the blaze.

Investigators believe the fire may have originated in an external air shaft platform, where cigarette butts and combustible materials were found.

The presence of renovation works, including bamboo scaffolding, protective netting and foam boards, is thought to have accelerated the spread of flames across the building facades.

The inquiry has also heard that prior warnings and complaints, including concerns about unsafe practices such as smoking in restricted areas, may not have been adequately addressed.

Testimony and collected evidence suggest that lapses in oversight, maintenance and enforcement contributed to the rapid escalation of the fire.

Authorities have already taken significant enforcement action, with dozens of individuals arrested in connection with the case on charges ranging from fraud to serious negligence.

The investigation will examine the roles of contractors, property managers and public officials, as well as whether existing regulations and inspection processes were sufficient.

The judge-led panel is expected to hear from residents, engineers, government representatives and emergency responders over the coming months, as it seeks to establish a full account of the events and identify accountability.

The inquiry is also tasked with recommending reforms to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The disaster displaced thousands of residents and prompted wider scrutiny of building safety standards across the city.

As proceedings continue, the hearings are expected to shape both regulatory reforms and public expectations regarding accountability and urban safety in one of the world’s most densely populated cities.