US EditionHong Kong Leader Says Fire Probe Expected to Conclude Within Nine Months
The inquiry will examine causes including substandard materials, conflicts of interest, and bid-rigging in construction after the fire killed 160 and displaced thousands, officials said.
- On Dec 12, John Lee announced an independent investigation into the Tai Po district fire, appointing Judge David Lok to lead the committee with a nine-month deadline.
- The blaze began on Nov 26, took nearly two days to extinguish, and ripped through seven high-rise residential towers, killing at least 160 people and displacing thousands.
- Authorities say substandard building materials fuelled the fire, and the independent committee must investigate construction and renovation companies for collusion, conflicts of interest, and bid-rigging.
- Authorities have opened criminal and corruption investigations, and John Lee said the government will work with the legislature to drive institutional reform.
- At the Christmas street fair, organisers held a moment of silence for Tai Po victims and Mr Lee praised the committee, saying `I take my hat off to them` on Friday.
20 Articles
20 Articles
The Canberra Times
Probe into Hong Kong fire to finish within nine months
An investigation into a deadly Hong Kong inferno is expected to be done within nine months, as the...
Channel News Asia
Hong Kong leader says fire probe expected to conclude within 9 months
HONG KONG: Hong Kong will seek to wrap up an independent investigation into a fire that killed at least 160 people in the Asia financial centre within nine months, the city's leader said on Friday (Dec 12).John Lee spoke
Spirit of giving shines at Christmas fair as Hong Kong heals after fire tragedy
Hong Kong’s annual Christmas street fair opened on Thursday with a blend of festive cheer and solemn remembrance, emphasising hope, community and courage in the wake of the recent Tai Po fire. Now in its 13th year, the White Christmas Street Fair spans Tong Chong Street, Taikoo Square and Taikoo Park. It is being held by Swire Properties to raise funds for Operation Santa Claus (OSC), the annual fundraising initiative organised by the South Chin…
The commission will be headed by the judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court of Hong Kong, David Lok, "and will formally begin its work at the end of this month with the prospect of completing its work nine months after the start of its work", according to a statement published by the territorial government on its website.
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