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Forgetful welder blasted by judge

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A key witness in the Garley Building fire inquiry was lambasted for his apparent forgetfulness yesterday.

Welding worker Ng Kwan-on often paused as he gave evidence and repeatedly said: 'I have forgotten.' Eventually, inquiry chairman Mr Justice Woo Kwok-hing told him: 'Don't talk nonsense anymore. We are not idiots. Don't think you need not answer by saying you have forgotten.' Mr Ng said he went to the office of contractor Ryoden and discussed the cause of the fire with two senior staff the night after the November 20 blaze killed 40 people.

Earlier, he said he only contacted Leung Tse-wing and Tong Kuen-sing, who were working on the top floor when the fire broke out, to see if they were all right.

Mr Ng said a manager from the lift company had asked whether the fire was triggered by welding.

Benjamin Yu, assisting Mr Justice Woo, said: 'Is the evidence you have given to the inquiry and the police different from the truth?' Mr Ng said by the time he gave evidence to the police on November 23, he had seen news reports saying welding was a possible cause.

Mr Ng said he had sought psychological help, adding: 'I feel uneasy when thinking the fire may be caused by my staff's work.' The hearing continues today.

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