Fire engineering expert says Tai Po fire caused by "series of errors"

A fire safety engineer appointed by the Independent Committee investigating the deadly Wang Fuk Court fire says the tragedy was caused by a "a series of errors." The statement is made on the final day of the fifth round of the committee's evidential hearing.

The hearing resumes at Central City Gallery. Two Independent Committee-appointed fire engineering experts focus on the Tai Po blaze study report on the last day of the current round of evidential hearing.

Asif Sohail Usmani, a chair professor from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, says the rapid fire spread is caused by "a series of errors," including a large pile of combustible materials, and the design of the building construction. Usmani points out that the fire spread at more than 10 metres every second, which was "almost like a volcano eruption," along the corners of the light wells.

Jiang Liming, another fire engineering expert at the Polytechnic University, says the fire was of high intensity and emitted extreme heat, which shattered the windows leading to a large amount of heavy smoke inside the units. Jiang says Wang Fuk Court's light well design is semi-enclosed which is not ideal for heat releasing.

He explains that the smoke was able to travel inside the buildings and enter corridors as well as backstairs through temporary openings. A significant number of Wang Fuk Court residents died from toxic smoke inhalation, including 24 from Wang Cheong House.

Usmani lists several suggestions, saying they could be temporary measures but should be implemented immediately. For instance, no combustible materials can be used near light wells and construction materials need to be certified.

The committee will hear the closing submission from different parties on July 15. The process is expected to last three days.