Bank fire jury calls for safety law overhaul

A CORONER'S jury yesterday called for a drastic overhaul of fire safety laws to help prevent tragedies such as the Shekkipmei bank blaze.

Returning a verdict of unlawful killing on all 12 victims of the Hongkong Bank fire, the jury called for urgent action on fire safety.

Recommendations in the Fire Services Department's special investigation report should be adopted immediately and made law, jurors told Coroner Ian Carlson.

'Existing fire orders are inadequate because they put the emphasis on security,' the jury said, urging safety precautions and training which would encourage people to act rationally in the event of fire.

In response, the Security Branch said draft laws covering many of the recommendations would be considered by legislators in the new session in September.

Principal assistant secretary Andrew Kluth confirmed legislation would be introduced to improve fire safety in buildings heavily used by the public.