Jonathan Reed reports from London on the latest developments in the tragic fire that devastated Tai Po’s Fuk Hoy Estate in April 2025, as the estate’s former management committee chairman, Xu Man-kam, testified before an independent inquiry into the disaster that claimed 168 lives.
On April 20, 2026, Xu appeared before the Fuk Hoy Estate Independent Committee of Inquiry for the second time, delivering emotional testimony in which he pledged full cooperation with investigators and sought to clarify the role of the estate’s management in the months leading up to the blaze. His appearance marked the first time he had formally supplied evidence since the fire, which razed the public housing estate on April 17, 2025.
Speaking with visible emotion, Xu described how he and fellow committee members remained at Fuk Liang Kit Memorial Secondary School after ensuring their families’ safety, volunteering to assist other survivors in the immediate aftermath. “We are disaster victims too,” he said, his voice breaking. “After settling our own families, we stayed on to aid others — even as we faced criticism, we did what we believed was right.”
Xu emphasized that the management committee had consistently sought transparency, holding weekly meetings and organizing twelve public briefing sessions regarding the controversial major repair works approved by the previous committee in April 2024. All documents, monthly reports, and livestreams of these sessions were made publicly available online, he stated, in an effort to keep residents informed.
He recalled how the estate had been more than just buildings to him personally, noting that his father had purchased their unit in 1983 and lived there until the fire. “There are so many memories,” Xu said, pausing to compose himself. “The climbing frame and slide in the playground — I will never forget them.”
The Independent Committee of Inquiry, chaired by Luk Kai-hong, has been examining the circumstances surrounding the fire since its establishment, with hearings focusing on fire safety compliance, emergency response, and the maintenance history of the estate. Xu’s testimony forms part of the second round of hearings, which began in March 2026 and is expected to conclude later this year.
During his testimony, Xu acknowledged the financial strain and lack of technical expertise faced by the elected committee, which took office in September 2024 following a resident-led vote triggered by concerns over the repair contract awarded by the prior management team. He maintained that despite these challenges, the committee had endeavored to act responsibly and in accordance with its duties.
When asked by Committee Chairman Luk whether he needed a break, Xu declined, choosing to continue his statement. He used a tissue to wipe away tears as he spoke of losing close friends in the tragedy, including one particularly dear companion and his wife.
The inquiry continues to examine testimony from residents, survivors, emergency services, and government departments. No findings or conclusions have been released as of the date of this report.
The next scheduled hearing of the Fuk Hoy Estate Independent Committee of Inquiry is set for April 25, 2026, at the Edinburgh Place Exhibition Centre in Hong Kong, where further witness accounts are expected to be heard.
Readers seeking updates on the inquiry are encouraged to consult the official website of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government for published hearing schedules and transcripts. Share your thoughts on this developing story in the comments below, and help spread awareness by sharing this article with others.