Hong Kong wraps up probe into 'preventable' deadly fire

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Hong Kong: A devastating fire that killed 168 people at a Hong Kong apartment complex last year was entirely preventable, lawyers told an investigative committee during closing statements on Friday.

The November 26 blaze at Wang Fuk Court marks the world's deadliest residential building fire since 1980.

The judge-led panel heard that human errors caused almost all fire safety systems to fail during building renovations. Evidence suggests an improperly disposed cigarette sparked the blaze, which spread rapidly across seven high-rise blocks covered in flammable scaffolding netting. Alarm and hose systems had also been deactivated.

Committee counsel Victor Dawes argued the government bears responsibility for creating an oversight-free "honour system" for contractors. While government lawyers blamed the deceit of private actors, grieving residents accused authorities of callously shirking their duties.

Currently, thirty-five people have been arrested, with manslaughter charges filed against seven individuals and two companies. The committee is expected to deliver its final report to the government by September.