Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and the city’s seven principal officials bowed in apology to the public on Thursday for the deadly Wang Fuk Court fire, at a press conference on the independent committee’s report into the blaze.

Opening the press conference on Thursday, Lee said the fire last November — which killed 168 people, including a firefighter, and affected the residents of 1,984 households — had brought grief to the victims and sorrow to society. As the city’s chief executive and head of the government, Lee said he was deeply saddened by the tragic event and apologized on behalf of the SAR government to the victims and the public.

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Also apologizing were Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po, Secretary for Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok, Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung, Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han, Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Hon-ho and Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong Wai-lun.

Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho Wing-yin did not attend the press conference. Lee said Ho had taken political responsibility for the incident and that he had accepted her resignation, with her duties ending on Thursday.

Contact the writer at amberwu@chinadailyhk.com