An independent committee probing the cause of Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades heard arguments about how improper practices, evading regulatory oversight, escalated a minor fire into a tragedy. The investigation, nearing its conclusion on Friday, revealed that the November blaze spread across seven buildings at Wang Fuk Court, resulting in the death of 168 individuals and displacing thousands in the Tai Po district. Many affected residents are currently residing in temporary housing.
Lead lawyer Victor Dawes of the committee highlighted that the use of non-fire-retardant scaffolding netting likely facilitated the rapid spread of the fire at the complex undergoing renovation. The presence of wooden planks blocking staircase windows created obstacles for residents attempting to escape. Dawes pointed fingers at Will Power Architects Company and Prestige Construction & Engineering Co., accusing them of cutting corners in work quality and materials, while deceiving both regulators and homeowners.
Various substandard practices, including falsified compliance inspections, were identified, with professionals signing off on documents without proper scrutiny. Dawes criticized the government’s reliance on an honor system for overseeing the project, emphasizing that relevant departments should bear some responsibility for the lapses.
During the closing statements on Friday, several residents, including Yip Ka-kui and Lee Kwok-hung, expressed emotional reactions to the proceedings. Yip acknowledged the efforts of Dawes in seeking answers, even if the final outcomes may not meet expectations, while criticizing the government’s reluctance to address long-standing malpractices.
Lawyer Jenkin Suen, representing the government, acknowledged systemic vulnerabilities but rejected claims that government departments instigated the fire. The committee also delved into the prevalence of bid-rigging and corruption in large-scale maintenance works, with Dawes highlighting the common occurrence of bid-rigging in Hong Kong.
In response to the fire, Hong Kong authorities charged seven individuals, along with Will Power and Prestige, with offenses such as manslaughter and conspiracy to defraud. Allegations included concealing litigation records and manipulating tender analysis reports to secure the renovation contract worth over 300 million Hong Kong dollars.
The investigating committee, led by High Court judge David Lok, is anticipated to provide recommendations after evaluating the fire’s cause, systemic issues, and the adequacy of existing regulations and penalties. The panel, established in December, was slated to release a report within nine months, although the timeline for publication of findings remains uncertain. Legal liabilities fall outside the committee’s scope and will be addressed by law enforcement authorities.