The public inquiry into a fire which ripped through a Hong Kong apartment complex killing 168 people has begun.
The first day of public hearings on the incident which happened in November last year revealed a series of “unacceptable systemic failings that cannot be overlooked”.
Fire Safety Systems and Human Failures Under Scrutiny
The blaze took over Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po District and burned for over 43 hours. 78 people were injured and one firefighter was killed.
The incident was the world’s deadliest residential building fire since 1980.
The inquiry heard that almost all life-saving fire protection measures had failed.
The fire – which engulfed seven out of the eight residential towers – most likely begun as a result of a discarded cigarette which ignited flammable materials inside a lightwell.
Cause of the Wang Fuk Court Fire
Senior Counsel Victor Dawes said: “On the day of the fire, nearly all fire safety systems meant to protect lives failed because of human factors.”
“We are unable to clearly point out which [government] department has ever taken responsibility for the matter.”
Mr Dawes said workers smoking, fire alarms being deactivated, fire hoses turned off, removal of fireproof windows from stairwells, polyfoam boards used to block windows, non-fire-retardant scaffolding all combined to create a catastrophic environment.
Ongoing Investigation and Criminal Proceedings
The investigation will be led by a judge and an independent committee. They will assess whether fire safety standards were inadequate, if construction practices contributed to the fire and if there were failures from government officers or contractors.
A criminal investigation is ongoing after police arrested 38 people on suspicion of manslaughter and fraud.
