Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, and seven officials have bowed in apology after an independent report found government failings contributed to last year's Wang Fuk Court fire, which killed 168 people, The Guardian reports.
The report named private contractors as the main culprits but said four government departments bore part of the responsibility through lax enforcement, and that the hazards might have been removed had they acted on the risks. Lee said a three-month investigation into the government's role would follow and that housing secretary Winnie Ho, who has resigned, should bear political responsibility.
The blaze spread through seven towers wrapped in scaffolding and netting during renovations. Seven people and two companies face charges including manslaughter. Some bereaved relatives said the apology came late and fell short, with one calling for every department head named to step down.
Source: The Guardian Asia-Pacific
