Disciplinary board postpones hearing against fire safety firms over Tai Po blaze

The disciplinary board has delayed a hearing against two fire safety firms accused of mismanaging fire safety systems before the tragic Wang Fuk Court blaze last year. The Registered Fire Service Installation Contractors Disciplinary Board has postponed the hearing for Victory Fire Engineering Limited and China Status Development and Engineering Company Limited until further notice.

The delay was requested jointly by both parties to allow for adequate preparation. The massive fire at the Wang Fuk Court estate on November 26 last year claimed 168 lives and forced thousands to flee their homes. Investigations have uncovered alleged negligence by the two firms, who disabled the fire safety systems for repairs and extensions to the shutdown periods.

Despite the findings, the fire safety contractors continue to operate. Earlier hearings by an independent committee investigating the incident have revealed the alleged negligence. Victory Fire Engineering's director, Chung Kit-man, defended himself during a hearing this March, stating that it was not his responsibility to address the disabled systems.

The Fire Services Department has the authority to issue reprimands or remove fire safety contractors from the register, although criminal prosecution would involve a separate procedure. The Fire Services Department has not disclosed whether prosecutions have been initiated against the two firms, stating that they would only be pursued if there is sufficient evidence.