Full Breakdown
Investigating the Tai Po Fire Tragedy: A Second Round of Hearings
4/8/2026, 12:42:13 PM
Overview of the Incident
The independent committee investigating the Tai Po fire, which resulted in 168 fatalities at Wang Fuk Court, has resumed hearings to examine the factors contributing to this disaster. The fire, which ignited on November 26, 2022, spread across seven of the estate's eight towers over approximately 43 hours, displacing nearly 5,000 residents.
Key Testimonies and Findings
During the second round of hearings, Chung Kit-man, director and engineer of Victory Fire Engineering, testified regarding discrepancies related to the fire service equipment's water supply. His testimony is crucial as it addresses conflicting accounts about the draining of fire water tanks. Additionally, Keung Sai-ming, an assistant director from the Fire Services Department, is expected to provide further insights into the situation.
The first round of hearings revealed significant issues, particularly concerning the deactivation of fire alarms. Evidence presented indicated that the main power switch for the fire service pump and alarms had been turned off by ISS EastPoint Properties, the estate management company, to facilitate renovation work on a rooftop fire water tank. Victory Fire Engineering had identified the deactivated system a week prior to the fire but failed to inform the Fire Services Department or urge the management company to restore the alarms.
Implications of the Findings
The findings from these hearings highlight critical lapses in fire safety protocols and management oversight. The deactivation of fire alarms is categorized as one of the "six human factors" contributing to the tragedy, as identified by lead counsel Victor Dawes. The implications of these lapses raise questions about the accountability of both the contractors and the management company involved.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics have voiced concerns over the apparent negligence displayed by Victory Fire Engineering and ISS EastPoint Properties. The failure to act upon the knowledge of the deactivated fire alarms has been particularly scrutinized, with calls for stricter regulations and oversight in fire safety management to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Official Statements & Responses
The committee's hearings aim to uncover the truth behind the fire's causes and ensure accountability. The Fire Services Department has indicated its commitment to reviewing safety protocols in light of the findings from the hearings.
What's Next
As the hearings continue, further testimonies from involved parties, including Leung Ping-kay, director at China Status Development and Engineering, are anticipated. The outcomes of these hearings may lead to significant changes in fire safety regulations and practices in Hong Kong.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Evidence showed that the main power switch for the fire service pump and alarms serving all eight blocks had been turned off by estate manager ISS EastPoint Properties to allow renovation works on a rooftop fire water tank.” — Victor Dawes, Lead Counsel
- “A week before the blaze, Victory Fire Engineering discovered the system had been switched off but took no action to notify the Fire Services Department or press the management company to restore the alarms, the committee heard.” — Chung Kit-man, Director, Victory Fire Engineering
