The Independent Committee set up to investigate the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po that claimed at least 168 lives last November convened its first public hearing on Thursday, painting a stark picture of systemic failures that left residents with virtually no protection.
Victor Dawes, Leading Counsel for the Independent Committee, delivered the opening address. Dawes told the proceedings that based on evidence gathered so far, almost every fire safety measure designed to safeguard lives "completely failed" due to human error.
Dawes detailed a series of critical breaches that the investigation uncovered, including fire alarm systems in seven out of the eight blocks at Wang Fuk Court that were switched off, and the main contractor had repeatedly applied to the Fire Services Department for extending the deactivation of fire hydrants and hose reel systems for several months.
In addition, windows in stairwells and corridors had been removed to provide workers with access to the external scaffolding, resulting in smoke pouring directly in, trapping residents who were attempting to flee the inferno.
The hearing also heard compelling evidence regarding the fire's origin. Dawes noted that cigarette butts were found on the external scaffolding and in the light well platform outside Wang Cheong House, which are suspected to be the source of the fire.
He also noted that residents had lodged multiple complaints regarding workers smoking on site, but these warnings were not acted upon.
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Dawes also said that the investigation has amassed over one million files, including crucial CCTV footage, prior complaints from residents about the building's maintenance, government responses, and previously undisclosed internal records.
Among the evidence, Dawes pointed to communications from the main contractor. These records, he said, contain direct admission that the scaffolding netting in place on the day of the fire was not the required fire-retardant material.
Dawes said that the committee will methodically review all evidence and consider testimonies before delivering its final conclusions.
“The cause of the fire, and how the overlapping effect of multiple factors allowed it to spread and cause such devastation, will be examined in detail,” Dawes said. “The role each individual factor played in this entire event will be explored piece by piece through expert testimony in the coming sessions.”
