The independent committee established for the Hong Kong Tai Po Hung Fuk Court fire held its first hearing on the 19th to hear evidence on the matters listed in the committee's jurisdiction. According to the latest announcement by the committee, a total of 38 stakeholders have been granted permission to participate in the hearing as parties involved, and can make opening and concluding statements, ask questions, and summon witnesses during the hearing. This includes multiple special administrative region government departments such as the Buildings Department, Fire Services Department, Home Affairs Department, Housing Department, and Labour Department, as well as seven residents of Hung Fuk Court, former chairman of the management committee of the Hung Fuk Court Owners' Corporation, Xu Man kan, vice chairman, and several members. The committee clarifies relevant facts through oral testimony, written statements, and other forms of evidence submitted by witnesses, which serve as an important basis for writing reports and making recommendations in the future. Ms. Li, the owner who originally lived in Hongtai Pavilion, told reporters on the same day that she hoped to understand the cause and responsibility of the fire through a hearing, as well as why the fire spread so severely and caused painful casualties. In December last year, the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Carrie Lam, announced the establishment of an independent committee chaired by Lu Qikang, responsible for examining the causes of fire accidents, holding those responsible accountable, and making preventive recommendations. The committee will submit a report within 9 months after its establishment. The committee will hold its first round of eight hearings from March 19th to April 2nd, with approximately 360 public seats available for each session. About half of the seats will be given priority to residents of Hung Fuk Court. (New Society)