The city's Chief Executive Orders Probe into Fatal Blaze that Killed 151
The city's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an independent committee to examine the reasons of a tragic inferno that took a minimum of 151 individuals.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
On Wednesday last week, seven of eight apartment buildings at the Wang Fuk Court—that was in the midst of significant upgrades—were engulfed by fire. Investigators have since found that construction site netting used around the buildings fell short of requirements for fire resistance.
A minimum of 13 suspects have been taken into custody over alleged culpable homicide, including the executives of a construction company.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. This is precisely the reason we must act seriously to ensure that all these gaps are plucked," stated the leader.
Investigation and Aftermath
The fire—advancing with speed both upwards and between the blocks—was only fully doused by the morning of Friday, some 40 hours after it ignited, and took more than 2,000 firefighters to contain.
On that day, authorities started accessing the buildings to gather evidence. The government indicates the probe could last several weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
Multiple inhabitants have said they failed to hear a emergency siren when the blaze erupted. Local firefighters discovered that detection devices in all eight blocks were not working effectively.
The relevant regulatory body has halted for now construction activities on 30 private projects.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
In a related development, authorities are said to have arrested a young man on charges related to incitement on the weekend. He was involved with a gathering calling for an independent inquiry into the fire. An online petition amassed more than 10,000 signatures in a very short time before its information was removed.
Two other people, including a past council member, were also detained by police, per news outlets.
International Reaction
The human rights organization and Another watchdog have both condemned the said apprehensions.
"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to transparently investigate the origins of the devastating fire...instead of muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," stated the organization.
Historical Context and Demographics
The housing estate was completed in 1983 and had supplied close to 2,000 units for approximately 4,600 inhabitants, according to a recent official survey.
Nearly 40% of its inhabitants are thought to be at least 65 years of age. Several have resided in the government-supported development since its construction.
The city's second-deadliest fire on record killed 176 lives in 1948 and was the result of a detonation at street level at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when more than 600 attendees died.