Independent committee commences Wang Fuk Court fire public hearing

The Independent Committee in relation to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po had their first evidential hearing this morning at City Gallery in Central. 

The committee's lead barrister Victor Dawes said the fire was a consequence of multiple overlapping human errors.

“All fire safety measures were unavailable at the day of the fire, due to human wrongdoings,” Dawes said. 

Fire footage from the residents, passersby and media outlets were displayed at the hearing.

Dawes said multiple CCTV footage from the buildings and the constructor indicate that cigarette butts are the fire’s main cause — engulfing the substandard combustible nets and bamboo scaffolding within 15 minutes.

Evidence also showed failures in the fire alarms system, which affected the residents’ escape.

Smoke was able to enter the buildings more easily since windows at the stairwells were replaced by wooden boards, for the convenience of construction workers.

CCTV footage also showed residents were unable to put out the fire, as the hoses were not connected to any water tanks.

Some audience cried during the hearing.

Former Wang Tai House resident, 69-year-old Law, who lost a relative from the fire, said he wants the hearings to reconstruct what happened.

“I think the government has to take responsibility. There are strict rules, but they were not executed with caution,” he said.

Seven more hearings will be held on Mar. 20, 24, 26, 30, 31 and Apr. 1, 2.

The hearing for the deadly fire on Nov. 26 — which took 168 lives — requires a pre-registration. Prioritised quotas are given to Wang Fuk Court residents, while members of the public and media are also welcomed.

Registrations are now closed.