Tai Po Fire Independent Committee Submits Report, Names 4 Departments for Dereliction of Duty as John Lee Says Accountability to Be Announced Shortly

The independent committee on the Tai Po Wang Fuk Court fire has submitted its report to Chief Executive John Lee. It is understood the report names 4 departments for dereliction of duty: the Housing Bureau's Independent Checking Unit, the Buildings Department, the Fire Services Department and the Labour Department, with the ICU bearing the greatest responsibility. The report also says main contractor Hong Yip and engineering consultant Hung Yee must bear primary responsibility, and makes recommendations on bid-rigging and construction materials. John Lee said he will study the report carefully and announce reform plans and how accountability will be pursued shortly.