Hong Kong Fire Inquiry: Human Errors, Smoking Workers

0:00On March 19th, here's the latest in global news. A judge-led committee in Hong Kong has started public hearings into the city's deadliest fire in decades, which killed 168 people. At the Wong-Fulk housing complex in Typo, last November, the lead lawyer revealed that human errors basically wiped out nearly every fire safety feature at the site during major renovations. Earlier this week, the panel reviewed CCTV footage and public videos showing construction workers smoking right at the scene, along with other key, evidence from the A-block complex. Family members of victims shared their pain outside the hearing, with one woman who lost her mother calling it heartbreaking to relive the blaze through the clips. Many former residents showed up demanding answers on why fire alarms failed to sound during the escape. Investigators highlighted five big issues, like shutting off alarms in seven blocks, removing windows for scaffolding that let smoke pour into stairs. At hallways, dry hydrants and flammable netting everywhere.

1:01They also found cigarette butts scattered on platforms and in light wells. The committee, which has sifted through nearly one million files, aims to pinpoint the fire's cause and probe bid rigging and construction projects. Citywide, amid calls from some, for more independent oversight. This episode is supported by our sponsor, C Details in the Description, Headphones in a Pillow. If you try it, it just makes sense, S-O-L-I, solelypillow.com.