Hong Kong Chief Executive Orders Probe into Tragic Blaze that Took 151
The city's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an independent committee to examine the reasons of a devastating fire that took a minimum of 151 people.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
On Wednesday last week, seven of eight apartment buildings at the Wang Fuk Court—which was subject to major refurbishment—went up in flames. Investigators have since found that construction site netting installed on the buildings failed to meet fire safety regulations.
No fewer than 13 individuals have been detained on suspicion of suspected manslaughter, including the executives of a construction company.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Yes, we need reform. Yes, we have identified failures in various phases. That is exactly why we must act seriously to make certain all these deficiencies are plucked," he said.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The inferno—that propagated rapidly both upwards and between the blocks—was not completely extinguished by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it ignited, and necessitated more than 2,000 firefighters to contain.
On that day, police began entering the buildings to gather evidence. Authorities say the probe could require approximately a month.
Systemic Failures Identified
Several residents have stated they failed to hear a emergency siren when the fire started. The city's fire department discovered that detection devices in every tower were malfunctioning.
The city's construction authority has temporarily suspended renovation projects on 30 private projects.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a 24-year-old man on charges related to incitement on the weekend. He was among a gathering demanding an separate review into the blaze. An internet-based appeal amassed in excess of 10,000 signatures in less than a day before its information was removed.
Two other people, including a past council member, were also questioned by officers, per local media reports.
Global Response
Amnesty International and The monitoring body have both condemned the said apprehensions.
"The moment has come for the city's officials to thoroughly and publicly probe the reasons of the tragic incident...rather than muzzling those who raise appropriate concerns," Amnesty International said.
Historical Context and Demographics
The residential complex was completed in the early 1980s and had supplied 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 occupants, based on a population count.
Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are believed to be at least 65 years old. Some have resided in the government-supported development from its inception.
Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on record killed 176 individuals in 1948 and was caused by a blast on the lower level at a commercial building. The most deadly was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when more than 600 individuals died.
