The independent committee investigating November’s fatal Tai Po fire will not be escalated to a formal commission of inquiry with powers to compel testimony, according to committee chair David Lok. Lok, a High Court judge, stated the decision was made after significant evidence was already gathered. The committee believes it can effectively determine the fire’s cause and contributing factors without the additional authority of a statutory inquiry. This means the committee will continue operating under its current framework, relying on voluntary cooperation from witnesses. The fire, which occurred last November, resulted in multiple fatalities and prompted public concern regarding building safety regulations. The committee’s ongoing investigation aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the incident and potentially recommend preventative measures. Further details regarding the investigation’s timeline and findings have not yet been released.