Tai Po fire probe: member alleges rigged proxy votes in management committee election

The independent probe into Hong Kong's catastrophic Tai Po fire, which killed 168 people in November 2026, heard damning testimony revealing governance failures that preceded the tragedy. Committee member Kong Cheung-fat alleged the owners' corporation management committee election was rigged through the misuse of proxy votes, pre-filled to favor specific candidates. This flawed process led to the appointment of Prestige Construction and Engineering as the renovation contractor, despite its allegedly higher bid. Kong further testified that the new leadership failed to address these proxy vote issues, creating an environment where proper oversight of critical fire safety measures was neglected.

Amid these internal power struggles, the committee admitted to a catastrophic breakdown in safety enforcement. They failed to follow through on threats to fine contractor Prestige for workers persistently smoking on the bamboo scaffolding at the renovation site. The inquiry also heard that contradictory tests were conducted on materials—assuring residents about some materials' fire resistance while flagging the high flammability of styrofoam boards, which were ultimately used. Previous sessions established that flammable materials, failed safety measures, and lack of government oversight all contributed to the 43-hour blaze that left nearly 5,000 homeless, marking it as the city's deadliest fire since 1948.