Tai Po fire's first hearing reveals evidence of what likely caused the fire
發佈日期: 2026-03-19 16:24
TVB News
The Independent Committee in relation to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po held its first hearing. The commission said there is evidence showing the fire was likely caused by a cigarette butt, and almost all fire safety facilities failed completely due to human factors.
David Lok, Chairman of the Independent Committee spoke first, followed by the opening remarks from Victor Dawes, Senior Counsel, the Leading Counsel for the Independent Committee.
After the fire at Wang Fuk Court on November 26th last year, the committee requested documents, totaling over one million files. These included CCTV footage, management company's documents, as well as contractors' conversation records.
The documentation shows that the netting used at Wang Fuk Court on the day of the fire was not fireproof, and almost all fire safety facilities failed completely due to human factors.
Evidence also shows that the police found cigarette butts and trash paper on the light well of Wang Cheong House, where the fire first broke out.
Based on the investigations of various departments, other causes of the fire have been ruled out.
Victor Dawes said that the accident served as a painful warning, prompting society to face fire risks and issues like large-scale building maintenance projects.
Wang Fuk Court resident Ms. Lee said she does not expect all the conclusions would come out at this initial stage of the hearings, but hopes that she would eventually find out the cause of the fire, why it spread so fast and why so many died. She said the hearing should give justice to the deceased.
Another resident Mr. Law said he wants to know how the management company could explain what happened. He believes the fire alarm and nets issues contributed majorly to what happened. He also thinks that the Labour Department and the Buildings Department need to provide some explanations.
