Hong Kong's independent committee into the deadly Tai Po fire held its first hearing on Thursday at 10am, starting with a minute of silence for the victims. Residents have urged the panel to hold those responsible accountable, as the judge leading the inquiry promises a fair and thorough probe.
The fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po last November was Hong Kong's deadliest in decades, claiming at least 168 lives and displacing nearly 5,000 residents. The independent committee's first hearing began on Thursday at 10am with a minute of silence to mourn the victims. Judge David Lok Kai-hong, who chaired the meeting, provided an overview of the committee's work and stressed that the probe should minimise impact on ongoing criminal, civil cases, and a coroner's inquiry.
Judge Lok said: “In other words, we do not wish for the committee’s work to affect any defendants’ right to a fair trial, or allow anyone to evade the legal responsibilities they should bear.” Residents of Wang Fuk Court have urged the committee to identify and hold those responsible accountable.
An insider revealed that hearings would start in mid-March and run until May, with most sessions open to the public, including cross-examinations of senior civil servants and department heads. Residents scrambled on Wednesday to secure tickets for the 400 public seats, hoping the investigation would pinpoint blame for the blaze.
The insider said: “Given the public interest, the public should be able to follow what’s going on.” Representatives from various government departments are expected to testify and face questioning by the committee's lawyers.
