【Hong Fuk Court Level 5 Fire】John Lee: Independent Committee to Investigate the Fire

The Level 5 fire at Hong Fuk Court in Tai Po, Hong Kong, prompted Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive John Lee on the 2nd to demand a thorough investigation into the incident. Hong Kong will set up an independent committee chaired by a judge to investigate the fire.

According to Hong Kong Radio News, Chief Executive John Lee announced the establishment of an independent committee chaired by a judge to examine the causes and rapid spread of the incident and related issues. He will contact the judiciary to invite a judge to chair the committee.

Before the Executive Council meeting, John Lee spoke to the media and said that any errors or problems must be addressed with systematic reform.

John Lee believes the issues are multi-faceted: first, the safety requirements, standards, supervision, and routine maintenance system for building repair works;

second, whether any inappropriate related interests or collusion exist in any stage of the engineering process;

third, whether the list of materials for building repair works is comprehensive;

fourth, the role and responsibilities of supervisory personnel at each stage;

fifth, issues such as corruption, bid-rigging, or irregular tendering procedures involving building repair projects;

sixth, the required fire prevention systems for the building and related supervision;

seventh, responsibilities related to the above aspects during the major fire; eighth, legal aspects and penalties.