Hong Kong reveals findings of probe into deadly residential fire

HONG KONG -- China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government on Thursday released a report on the investigation into a major fire at the residential complex Wang Fuk Court, announcing accountability measures and follow-up reforms.

At a press conference, HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee apologized for the deadly blaze. The HKSAR government has decided which principal official should bear political accountability, he said, pledging to pursue criminal proceedings against those involved and the companies linked to the incident, and investigate relevant civil servants.

Based on the independent committee's report, the HKSAR government will undertake comprehensive reforms, including banning bid-rigging in building maintenance projects, establishing a building maintenance support and services bureau, setting up a central data system and overhauling the complaint mechanism, Lee said.

Lee also vowed to spare no effort in leading the government in resolving the problems and implementing comprehensive overhauls to ensure that no similar incident occurs again.