The Independent Committee probing the deadly Wang Fuk Court fire in Tai Po held its first hearing on Thursday, exposing evidence that the Housing Department's Independent Checking Unit (ICU) tipped off contractor Prestige Construction & Engineering Co. Limited ahead of flammability tests on scaffold nets, allowing preparation of compliant samples.
The hearing took place at City Gallery in Central. Senior counsel Victor Dawes, representing the committee, presented evidence showing ICU surveyor Amanda Lau messaged engineering consultant Willpower Design & Contracting Ltd on the morning before the test, confirming an inspection the next day at Wang Fuk Court due to resident complaints about fragile old nets.
A WhatsApp message from Prestige Construction & Engineering Co. Limited staff, obtained by police, noted the upcoming ICU visit and mentioned checking or preparing "OK" net samples for burning tests, with a note marking it non-public.
Dawes highlighted that advance notice and selection of convenient test locations gave the contractor the opportunity to tamper, such as substituting compliant samples, raising suspicions of manipulation.
Tests on October 28 last year showed nets burning for about 10 seconds after ignition, failing standards requiring afterflame under 4 seconds per a certificate provided by Prestige Construction & Engineering Co. Limited claiming 0 seconds.
The contractor submitted an edited video omitting key parts of the test, unlike the full ICU version, suggesting possible concealment of facts for further examination.
Another contractor ordered non-flammable nets from a supplier after two major typhoons last year, likely to cut costs, though it remains unclear who specifically ordered them.
The flammability certificate from a Shandong firm, dated January 8, may be forged, as media reports noted a name change in the testing body since 2019; more evidence will follow.
Dawes stressed that prior warnings from owners about net issues were not properly addressed, contributing to risks in the fire that killed 168 people.
The committee continues to investigate systemic failures and responsibilities.
