The independent committee probing the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po announced today that it will hold the second and third rounds of 13 evidential hearings from April 8 to 30.

The committee will continue to receive oral evidence from witnesses, including Wang Fuk Court residents and representatives of the involved parties. A list of the exact witnesses who will be giving evidence at each hearing will be released online in due course.

The second round of hearings will be conducted in Cantonese from 10am to 1pm and from 2.15pm to 4.30pm on April 8, 10, 13, 15, 16 and 17, at the Multi-purpose Hall, 3/F, City Gallery, Central. Simultaneous interpretation in Putonghua and English will be provided.

People who wish to observe the second round of hearings must pre-register online from 10am on March 25 to 10am on March 28.

A total of about 360 seats will be available for public observation in the main venue and two transmission areas. About half of the seats will be set aside for residents of Wang Fuk Court on a priority basis.