Hong Kong authorities have filed manslaughter charges against seven individuals and two companies in connection with a massive fire at the Wang Fuk Court estate that killed 168 people last year. The blaze, which engulfed seven of eight high-rise apartment blocks in November, is the world's deadliest residential building fire in decades.
According to charge sheets, the directors of the construction contractor and consultant firm involved in the estate's renovation, along with an inspector, face manslaughter accusations. Seven individuals were also charged with fraud, money laundering, and tax evasion. The defendants appeared in court on Wednesday and indicated they understood the charges.
The court heard that those accused of manslaughter 'unlawfully' killed 168 people, including residents and a firefighter. A list of victims' names was read out for the first time. Police have arrested 35 people in connection with the fire, working with Hong Kong's anti-graft watchdog, ICAC.
ICAC principal investigator Hazel Law stated, 'We suspect that this unfortunate incident was caused by individuals acting in their own self-interest … with complete disregard for the safety of residents' lives and property.' The watchdog found that some defendants conspired to file false reports about the estate's projects.
Investigations revealed that substandard construction safety netting and cigarette butts contributed to the fire's rapid spread. Fire alarm systems for seven blocks had been deactivated, 'greatly shortening the time for residents to evacuate,' according to counsel Victor Dawes. Required fire-retardant nets were not used, and foam boards on windows may have helped the fire spread into flats.
Thousands of residents lost their homes and were relocated to temporary housing. The fire, sparked by an ignited cigarette, has prompted a months-long inquiry into safety failures.
