A former property management officer at Wang Fuk Court told an inquiry into last November's deadly fire that he quit because he no longer felt safe working in what he described as a chaotic, hazard-filled estate.

The unnamed officer’s written statement was read out in court by Victor Dawes, senior counsel for the independent committee.

According to the statement, the officer said construction materials were left scattered around at the estate, and maintenance workers smoked in corridors and on scaffolding.

He raised safety concerns with his company twice, but no action was taken.

Believing the environment posed a risk to his safety, he resigned in May last year.

Another property management officer, Cheng Tsz-ying, testified at the inquiry.

Dawes noted that the temporary openings in the escape staircases of the buildings posed a fire risk, and questioned whether the property management company had been unaware of the danger, or had failed to act despite noticing the problem.

Cheng said that because a project consultant was hired for the renovations, she trusted the consultant's expertise.


Edited by Tony Sabine