Firefighters Cut Off: No Commander at Deadly Hong Kong Blaze, Probe Hears

A critical commander role was left unfilled during Hong Kong's deadliest fire in decades, an independent inquiry heard. Senior firefighters are testifying this week about the 2023 Wang Fuk Court blaze in Tai Po, which killed 168 people. The hearing learned that the designated commander for the fire's "forward sector" could not reach their post. Intense flames blocked access to the area, leaving firefighters inside without direct leadership on the scene. The judge-led panel is investigating the causes and response to the tragedy. Previous sessions examined why the building's automatic alarm system was switched off. The probe continues.