Residents to testify as hearing into deadly Tai Po fire enters third day

This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing.An independent committee investigating a fire that killed 168 people at a Hong Kong housing estate is holding its third public hearing, with three residents expected to testify after a government lawyer gives an opening statement on Tuesday.Leung Ho-hin, Tse Yuk-wa and Ko Yee-lui were identified as the first three witnesses in the series of evidential hearings into the fire that engulfed seven of eight blocks at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po last year.The committee’s legal team, led by Victor Dawes SC, last week wrapped up a two-day opening statement, in which he outlined six identifiable causes and said the blaze was likely sparked by cigarettes.He pointed to the use of flammable scaffolding mesh, deactivation of the fire alarm system and removal of fireproof windows at emergency staircases.Dawes’ opening statement also highlighted “widespread” bid-rigging and other corruption in the ­construction industry, noting that Wang Fuk Court residents could have been misled into choosing a convicted contractor that offered to conduct its exterior renovation project at HK$336 million, the most expensive option among 57 proposals.Follow our live updates on day three of the hearing.Reporting by Brian Wong and Leopold Chen coverage: