Hong Kong Chief Executive Directs Probe into Tragic Inferno that Took 151
The city's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an independent committee to examine the reasons of a catastrophic blaze that took a minimum of 151 individuals.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
Last Wednesday, the majority of the tower blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—which was subject to major refurbishment—went up in flames. A probe subsequently revealed that construction site netting surrounding the buildings did not comply with requirements for fire resistance.
At least 13 people have been detained on suspicion of suspected manslaughter, comprising the directors of a building firm.
"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a big fire. Yes, we need reform. Yes, we have identified failures in multiple areas. That is exactly why we must take decisive action to make certain all these deficiencies are addressed," stated the leader.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The fire—advancing with speed both upwards and between the blocks—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, some 40 hours after it began, and required over 2,000 fire service personnel to bring under control.
The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. The government indicates the probe could require three to four weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
A number of occupants have stated they did not hear a smoke detector when the incident erupted. The city's fire department discovered that alarms in all eight blocks were malfunctioning.
The city's construction authority has halted for now renovation projects on 30 private projects.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
In a related development, officers took into custody a young man on allegations of incitement on the weekend. He was among a collective calling for an autonomous investigation into the fire. An internet-based appeal gathered more than 10,000 endorsements in under 24 hours before its information was removed.
Another two individuals, including a ex-local representative, were also questioned by officers, according to local media reports.
International Reaction
The rights group and The monitoring body have both condemned the reported arrests.
"The moment has come for the city's officials to transparently investigate the reasons of the devastating fire...rather than muzzling those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group.
Background and Resident Profile
Wang Fuk Court was completed in 1983 and had provided 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 occupants, based on a population count.
Approximately 40 percent of its residents are thought to be older than 65 years old. A number have resided in the subsidised housing estate since it was built.
Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on file claimed 176 people in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a blast on the lower level at a commercial building. The most deadly was at a sporting venue in 1918, when more than 600 individuals perished.
