Deadly Tai Po fire revealed ‘unacceptable systemic failings’, inquiry hears
AI Summary
A public inquiry in Hong Kong is investigating the deadly Tai Po fire that claimed 168 lives in November 2023, revealing systemic failures in government supervision. The inquiry heard that contractors covered up the use of substandard, combustible materials during a HK$336 million renovation project at Wang Fuk Court. According to the inquiry's senior counsel, multiple government departments, including the Labour Department, Fire Services Department, and the Housing Bureau's Independent Checking Unit, denied responsibility for ensuring fireproof standards were met. The contractor was also allegedly tipped off about inspections, allowing them to temporarily replace the substandard materials. The inquiry aims to determine why the failures were not addressed and to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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