Key facts
- An independent committee is hearing final arguments in its probe of Hong Kong's deadliest fire in decades.
- The November fire at Wang Fuk Court killed 168 people.
- The committee's scope does not include legal liabilities, which are being handled by law enforcement.
- Evidence previously indicated multiple contributing factors, including issues with fire alarms and building materials.
- The committee is also investigating systemic problems such as bid-rigging in building maintenance.
- Seven individuals and two companies have been charged with manslaughter and conspiracy to defraud.
An independent committee investigating Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades began hearing final arguments on Wednesday, as the inquiry nears its conclusion. The November fire, which engulfed seven buildings of an apartment complex in the Tai Po district, resulted in 168 fatalities and devastated the Wang Fuk Court community.
The committee, established by the Hong Kong city government in December with an expected nine-month timeline, is led by High Court Judge David Lok and includes Executive Council member Chan Kin-por and Hospital Authority Board member Rex Auyeung. Lawyers representing various parties, including residents and the government, are presenting their closing arguments, with hearings set to conclude on Friday.
During earlier hearings, committee lead lawyer Victor Dawes stated that evidence pointed to multiple contributing factors. These included the shutting off of fire alarms and hose systems, the use of non-fire-retardant scaffolding netting, and the covering of windows with foam boards.
Martin Ho, representing property management company ISS EastPoint Properties, suggested that an in-house electrician inadvertently deactivated the fire alarm system while emptying water tanks. Ho noted that the mistake could have been avoided if the complex’s fire service installation contractor had been present. He also indicated that another contractor later identified the issue but did not follow up adequately, attributing this to an industry mentality of withholding knowledge.
Aaron Chan, representing a director of one of the fire service installation contractors, acknowledged the potential benefit of fire alarms in reducing casualties but urged the committee to consider the limited escape window and other factors. Judge Lok intervened, asking Chan not to suggest alarms were useless, to which Chan clarified he was presenting additional considerations.
Some Wang Fuk Court residents expressed concerns that parties involved were attempting to deflect responsibility. Betty Ho voiced uncertainty about finding the truth but hoped for justice for the victims, while Patrick Liu was pessimistic about accountability, stating that "everyone is just shirking responsibility." Liu awaits the committee's report and a court trial for a full understanding of accountability.
The panel is also examining systemic issues within Hong Kong's large-scale building maintenance and renovation sector, including potential bid-rigging. A representative from the Competition Commission confirmed the existence of bid-rigging groups in the city, some linked to criminal triads.
In June, Hong Kong authorities charged seven individuals and two companies, Will Power Architects Company and Prestige Construction & Engineering Co., with offenses including manslaughter and conspiracy to defraud in connection with the fire. Allegations include serious negligence in monitoring materials and procedures during a renovation project, and conspiracy to defraud apartment owners by concealing litigation records and inflating tender scores.