Hong Kong leader apologizes for deadly Tai Po fire, pledges reform

Hong Kong – Hong Kong leader John Lee apologized on Thursday for the deadly blaze that killed 168 people in the city last November, as he released an independent report that held four government departments partially responsible for a fire that erupted after more than a year of safety complaints. Lee promised swift but extensive reforms to the city’s building industry and regulatory system. The more than 1,000-page report by the judge-led panel detailed governance and supervisory failings, including widespread bid rigging.