HONG KONG — The city’s independent anti-corruption body launched a sweeping investigation Thursday into potential malfeasance surrounding a massive refurbishment project at the Tai Po high-rise where a devastating five-alarm fire claimed at least 55 lives, including one firefighter. The unprecedented scale of the tragedy at Wang Fuk Court prompted the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) to establish a dedicated task force to examine whether corruption contributed to the hazardous conditions that fueled last week’s deadly blaze.
The fatal calamity, which occurred on Tuesday, has drawn sharp focus onto the $330 million maintenance and renovation work underway at the residential complex. The ICAC confirmed that its probe will focus on potential irregularities related to the contract bidding, execution, and oversight of the extensive repair project.
This investigation parallels existing criminal proceedings. Police arrested three individuals ranging in age from 52 to 68—two directors of the contracting company and an engineering consultant—on suspicion of manslaughter due to gross negligence leading to significant casualties. Officers reportedly searched the contractors’ office in San Po Kong as part of their inquiry.
Safety Violations Under Scrutiny
Preliminary findings by fire investigators suggest that construction practices and materials may have accelerated the fire’s spread. Fire department personnel reported encountering layers of protective netting, waterproof tarpaulin, and plastic sheeting covering the building’s exterior that allegedly lacked required fire-retardant properties.
A particularly concerning discovery was the use of foam insulation boards to seal windows in common areas, including elevator lobbies, even in sections of the complex untouched by the blaze. Authorities are investigating whether these foam seals, which one contractor reportedly claimed were used defensively against potential falling debris, acted as a dangerous conduit allowing the flame to travel rapidly through the structure. Residents had previously voiced complaints about construction workers allegedly smoking on site, raising further questions about site management and safety protocols during the renovation.
The building refurbishment, projected to be completed in phases with scaffolding removal slated to begin next March, has now stalled indefinitely.
Community Mourns Firefighter, Victims
The catastrophic loss of life includes a 37-year-old firefighter with nine years of service who was lost temporarily during the rescue operation before his body was recovered. The ICAC expressed profound condolences to the families of all victims, the injured, and those displaced by the fire, acknowledging the widespread public interest and urgent need for answers regarding the disaster.
The dual investigations—one focused on criminal negligence and the other on systemic corruption—underscore the gravity of the incident. If the ICAC uncovers evidence that bribery, kickbacks, or fraudulent practices compromised the structural or fire safety standards of the renovation, the findings could lead to significant charges against involved parties.
This tragedy serves as a harrowing reminder of the critical need for rigid enforcement of building codes and anti-corruption measures within public works projects, particularly those involving modifications to high-density residential buildings. The outcome of the ICAC’s focused investigation will likely inform substantial policy changes regarding construction oversight and material use in Hong Kong’s vast public housing infrastructure.
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