Following is a statement issued on behalf of the Chairman of the Independent Committee in relation to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Mr Justice David Lok:

     "Mr Chan Kin-por, Dr Rex Auyeung Pak-kuen, and I have accepted the appointments respectively as the Members and the Chairman of the Independent Committee in relation to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. We fully understand the grave concern of the community over the fire which broke out at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po on November 26. This was not only a serious fire but also a deeply distressing incident that caused great sorrow across our community. Many residents lost their lives, were injured, and lost their homes in the fire. We hereby express our sympathy and condolences to the victims, their families, and all those affected.

     In the coming nine months, based on the Committee's terms of reference, the Committee will, regarding the fire broken out at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, its rapid spread and the resulting casualties and property damage, examine the causes and circumstances that led to the fire; the fire service installations and equipment in the buildings, and the supervision and responsibility for their effective operation; whether the construction safety requirements, standards, supervision and day-to-day maintenance regime for the building maintenance and renovation works were adequate; regarding the building maintenance and renovation works, whether the prevailing list of materials meeting safety standards is comprehensive, and whether the related verification and testing systems are effective; the roles and responsibilities of personnel with supervisory roles across all stages (including government officers, authorised professionals, contractors and others); and the liabilities arising from the aforementioned issues. Regarding large-scale building maintenance and renovation works, to the Committee will examine whether there were systemic problems such as undue connected interests, conflicts of roles, or improper collusion across all stages of the works; and whether bid-rigging corruption, or irregularities were involved in the tendering process of these works. Regarding the two matters above, the Committee will examine whether regulation and penalties under relevant existing laws are adequate.

     Based on the findings of its review, the Committee will make recommendations to the Chief Executive to support the Government in undertaking in-depth reforms, with a view to preventing similar incidents from occurring again.

     In conducting the review, we will collect information, and ensure that our work will be open, transparent and thorough. Members and I will do our utmost in discharging our duties. We will report to the Chief Executive within the time period requested of us."

Ends/Friday, December 12, 2025
Issued at HKT 21:10

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