Hong Kong fire probe hears arguments on substandard work, oversight failures
7 reported1 unconfirmed
An independent committee investigating Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades heard closing arguments Friday on how improper practices that evaded regulatory oversight turned a small blaze into a tragedy. The November fire at Wang Fuk Court in the Tai Po district spread through seven buildings, killing 168 people and displacing thousands. Committee lead lawyer Victor Dawes said the use of non-fire-retardant scaffolding netting and wooden planks boarding up staircase windows were key factors in the fire’s rapid spread. He stated that Will Power Architects Company and Prestige Construction & Engineering Co. cut corners in work and materials, deceived regulators and homeowners, and engaged in faked compliance of inspections. Dawes criticized the government’s reliance on an honor system, saying the entire system collapsed when faced with dishonest actors. Lawyer Jenkin Suen, representing the government, acknowledged systemic vulnerabilities but said it would be unfair to call government departments instigators of the fire. The committee, led by High Court judge David Lok, is expected to give recommendations but its scope does not include legal liabilities, which are being handled separately.
What’s reported
The November fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po district killed 168 people and displaced thousands.
Committee lead lawyer Victor Dawes said non-fire-retardant scaffolding netting and wooden planks on staircase windows were key to the fire’s rapid spread.
Dawes stated that Will Power Architects Company and Prestige Construction & Engineering Co. cut corners, deceived regulators and homeowners, and faked inspection compliance.
Dawes criticized the government’s reliance on an honor system for oversight.
Lawyer Jenkin Suen, representing the government, acknowledged systemic vulnerabilities but said government departments were not instigators.
The committee is led by High Court judge David Lok and will give recommendations, but its scope excludes legal liabilities.
In June, Hong Kong authorities charged seven people and two companies, including Will Power and Prestige Construction, with offenses including manslaughter and conspiracy to defraud.
Open questions
When the committee’s findings will be released is not known.
Key figures
Victor Dawes, committee lead lawyer
Jenkin Suen, lawyer representing the government
Jeffrey Tam, lawyer for nine residents of Wang Fuk Court
David Lok, High Court judge leading the committee
Sources: abcnews.com
