Tai Po fire probe: resident recalls deaths of 3 family members, domestic helper
A resident recalls calling his mother every 15 minutes before seeing his dark, burning flat on video call.
The judicial inquiry into Hong Kong's deadliest fire in decades, the Tai Po blaze that killed 168 people, entered its 13th day with harrowing personal testimony. A resident, who lost three family members, described the agonizing final moments, recalling how he called his mother every 15 minutes. In a video call made around 9 p.m., he saw his family's flat in complete darkness, a chilling detail underscoring the tragedy's human toll. The committee chairman, Justice David Lok Kai-hong, indicated the body is adjusting its probing strategies and has not yet decided to seek greater powers to compel witnesses.
Official testimony revealed critical operational decisions made during the emergency. A deputy fire chief officer stated that using drones or helicopters to fight the massive fire was deemed impractical. He also confirmed that an offer of assistance from Guangdong fire authorities was declined because mainland firefighters were considered "not compatible" with Hong Kong's environment. Meanwhile, a police superintendent leading the Disaster Victim Identification Unit indicated the death toll is unlikely to rise beyond 168, following thorough scene searches. The hearings also examined coordination between the police 999 call center and Fire Services console operators.
- A resident testified he made a video call and saw his family's flat in darkness before they perished, having called his mother every 15 minutes.
- Fire officials stated using drones or helicopters was impractical and help from mainland China was declined due to operational incompatibility.
- The death toll stands at 168, with police stating it is unlikely to increase after thorough searches.
Why It Matters
The probe seeks answers for Hong Kong's worst fire in decades, examining emergency response failures and systemic safety issues to prevent future tragedies.