Storage firm sued over killer fire

A developer, Hang Lung, is suing the founders of SC Storage for compensation on the grounds that a fire that broke out at its mini storage facility in Kowloon Bay and killed two firemen six years ago was caused by its breach of duty or negligence.

No compensation amount was disclosed.

Hang Lung Real Estate Agency and coplaintiffs Monafat and Folabs lodged four writs with the high court Monday.

One listed SC Logistics, Shee Hing Investment (China) and their founder Kevin She King-hang as defendants.

They are claiming for loss and damage for breach of four tenancy contracts involving Amoycan Industrial Centre's entire first to third, as well as sixth, floors, certain units on the fourth, fifth and seventh floors, and the common corridor on the seventh floor.

Also sought are guarantees and indemnities from contracts signed between December 2014 and April 2016.

In the writs, they are also suing for "loss and damage for breach of duty, whether contractual, tortious, equitable, statutory, regulatory or otherwise, and/or negligence by the defendants in connection with or arising out of the fire incident at Amoycan Industrial Centre around June 21, 2016."

In the other writs, the plaintiffs are suing Gear Engineering, Tai Fat Engineering and Tak Fai Air-Condition Engineering for breach of duty or negligence.

The fire broke out on the third floor and raged for more than 108 hours, costing senior station officer Thomas Cheung Yiu-sing, 30, and senior fireman Samuel Hui Chi-kit, 37, their lives.

After a 65-day inquest with no jury, deputy coroner Philip Wong Wai-kuen ruled last month they died by misadventure.

He had 14 suggestions for preventing such tragedies, including the Buildings Department revisiting licensing rules for mini-storage units, the Labour Department requiring staff at such units to complete a fire-prevention course and the Fire Services Department setting up a positioning system for front-line staff and equipping them with retractable ropes and stricter adherence commands.

While storage firms must prioritize protecting lives and property, customers should avoid storing flammable items.