To prevent similar tragedy, the Hong Kong SAR government will establish an independent commission chaired by a judge to conduct a detailed investigation into the deadly fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. The commission will submit its recommendations and report to the HKSAR Chief Executive (CE), Hong Kong CE John Lee Ka-chiu said during a press conference on Tuesday.
Lee met the media before attending the Executive Council meeting. The backdrop in the press room at the HKSAR Headquarters was changed to black, and Lee wore a black tie when speaking to reporters.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu during a press conference on Tuesday before attending the Executive Council meeting. Photo: downloaded from RTHK website
Lee pledged that the independent commission's investigation report would be made fully public.
The CE stressed that he "demands a thorough investigation and serious reforms, turning grief and anger into the driving force for change. No matter who is involved, accountability will be pursued to the very end," local media reports said.
At the opening of the press conference, Lee said that the deadly fire at Wang Fuk Court was a painful tragedy; what burned was not only buildings but something that still pains the hearts of Hong Kong people. Many lost family members, friends, and Hong Kong also lost a courageous firefighter. He noted that firefighters successfully rescued many residents, and that the miracles of survival were the result of their protection of life.
The CE first expressed respect and endless gratitude to the Fire Services Department, and also thanked all personnel for performing their duties, including medical staff who saved the injured, police officers who maintained order and swiftly carried out evidence-gathering investigations, as well as community workers and civil servants. He said people from different sectors demonstrated that Hong Kong is one family. The fire has so far claimed 151 lives and injured 79 people, including 40 who remain in hospital.
Seven Wang Fuk Court's residential buildings engulfed by the fire were undergoing renovation before the incident, which has raised public concern over whether the external scaffolding used in the repair work posed safety risks.
Hong Kong police have arrested a total of 13 people on suspicion of manslaughter following the fire incident, and there is a possibility of further arrests as the investigation is ongoing, according to an update made by the HKSAR government on Monday.
Reporter | Chen Chen
Video | Xu Xiaoxing
Editor | Huang Qini, Huang Xinying
Source | South, Global Times
