Hong Kong leader John Lee has apologized for government failures tied to last year's Wang Fuk Court fire, which killed 168 people, The Guardian, NBC News and AP report. Lee and seven other officials bowed in apology, the outlets report.

"In my capacity as chief executive, I apologize to all the victims and members of the public," Lee said, NBC News and AP report. Housing Secretary Winnie Ho has resigned, the outlets report. Lee said she "should bear political responsibility," though no personal wrongdoing was found, NBC News and AP report.

The fire spread through seven of the complex's eight towers, which were wrapped in scaffolding and netting for repairs, the outlets report. An independent report found it was most likely started by a lit cigarette, NBC News and AP report. It said the main contractor and the project consultant had cut corners, the outlets report. AP says most of the deaths were caused by smoke rather than burns, and a shut-off fire alarm system added to the toll.

The report also faulted four government departments for weak oversight, the outlets report. Lee said those departments will face a three-month investigation, The Guardian, NBC News and AP report. Officials proposed reforms, such as making bid-rigging a crime, AP reports.

Seven people and two companies face criminal charges over the fire, The Guardian and NBC News report. The charges include manslaughter. Some victims' families said the apology came late and was not enough, The Guardian reports.

What we know: Lee apologized, the housing secretary quit and four departments face a new inquiry.
What we don't: Whether more officials will be held to account.