Hong Kong authorities have charged seven people and two companies with offences including manslaughter and conspiracy to defraud in connection with a massive fire that killed 168 people in the city’s deadliest blaze in decades.

The fire broke out on November 26, 2025, engulfing seven apartment blocks in Wang Fuk Court in the suburban Tai Po district. The tragedy devastated the tight-knit housing community and left families still waiting for answers months later.

In a statement on Wednesday, police and the Independent Commission Against Corruption said the 25 charges also include money laundering, attempting to obstruct justice and tax evasion.

The accused were involved in different aspects of a major renovation project at Wang Fuk Court. The two companies charged are Will Power Architects Company, which served as the project consultancy firm, and Prestige Construction & Engineering Co., the main contractor.

The seven individuals — identified as Wong Hap-yin, Hau Wa-kin, Ho Kin-yip, Ng Yeuk, Hung Kwok-wai, Chung So-fan and Lin Min — were brought before court on Wednesday afternoon. Authorities said they include company directors and a registered inspector linked to Will Power.

Most of the defendants appeared calm in court and confirmed they understood the charges.

Earlier in March, police said 38 people had been arrested in connection with the fire on suspicion of offences including manslaughter and fraud, with nine later formally charged. The anti-corruption agency also arrested 23 people on allegations including bribery and conspiracy to defraud.

An independent legal committee investigating the disaster previously said nearly all fire safety systems failed on the day of the blaze, largely due to human error.