Hong Kong charges firms, executives over deadly fire

Hong Kong authorities have charged two companies and seven individuals in connection with the fatal fire at the Wang Fuk housing complex last November, the BBC reported.

The defendants face 25 charges, including manslaughter, conspiracy to defraud, attempting to pervert the course of justice and tax evasion.

The blaze claimed 168 lives, making it the deadliest fire in Hong Kong in more than seven decades.

According to authorities, those charged include the project consultancy firm, the main contractor and several people involved in renovation work at the complex, including company directors and a registered inspector. The names of the companies and individuals have not been disclosed.

Shortly after the fire, Hong Kong’s anti-corruption agency arrested two directors of structural engineering consultancy Will Power Architects. By March, police had arrested 38 people on suspicion of manslaughter and fraud.