The first evidential hearing of the Independent Committee set up to investigate the deadly blaze in which 168 residents perished at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po last November was held at City Gallery in Central on Thursday. The committee will hear the legal team’s submissions first, followed by witnesses’ testimony.
The first round of eight evidential hearings are expected to be held from March 19 to April 2, each providing approximately 360 seats for the public, with about half prioritized for residents of Wang Fuk Court.
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Some residents of the complex queued up in the early morning, hoping to discover the cause of the fire and the issue of liability, according to local media.
According to the latest announcement by the Independent Committee, 38 stakeholders have been permitted to participate in the hearings. They will be allowed to deliver opening and closing statements, pose questions, and summon witnesses during the hearing.
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The participants include several government departments such as the Buildings Department, the Fire Services Department, the Home Affairs Department, the Housing Department, and the Labour Department, as well as seven residents of Wang Fuk Court, and the former chairperson, vice-chairperson, and several committee members of the Incorporated Owners Management Committee of Wang Fuk Court.
