Hong Kong Chief Executive Orders Investigation into Tragic Blaze that Took 151
The city's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an autonomous task force to probe the origins of a tragic inferno that killed at least 151 residents.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
Last Wednesday, seven of eight apartment buildings at the Wang Fuk Court—which was subject to extensive renovations—were engulfed by fire. A probe subsequently revealed that construction site netting used around the buildings fell short of flame retardant standards.
At least 13 people have been detained on suspicion of suspected manslaughter, including the executives of a building firm.
"It is a terrible tragedy, the fire was immense. Changes are required. Failures have been detected in multiple areas. That is exactly why we must act seriously to guarantee all these gaps are addressed," remarked Mr. Lee.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The fire—that propagated rapidly both vertically and between the blocks—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, around 40 hours after it ignited, and necessitated over 2,000 fire service personnel to bring under control.
On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to collect forensic material. Officials state the inquiry could require several weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
Several residents have reported they were not alerted by a emergency siren when the incident erupted. Local firefighters determined that alarms in every tower were malfunctioning.
The city's construction authority has temporarily suspended works on three dozen private developments.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
In a related development, police reportedly detained a individual on charges related to sedition on the weekend. He was among a collective calling for an independent inquiry into the blaze. An internet-based appeal collected in excess of 10,000 supporters in less than a day before its information was removed.
Two other people, comprising a past council member, were also taken in by officers, according to news outlets.
Global Response
The rights group and Human Rights Watch have both denounced the reported arrests.
"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to transparently investigate the origins of the devastating fire...rather than muzzling those who pose valid inquiries," stated the organization.
Historical Context and Demographics
The housing estate was built in the early 1980s and had supplied nearly two thousand flats for approximately 4,600 residents, based on a population count.
Nearly 40% of its occupants are estimated to be at least 65 years old. Some have resided in the subsidised housing estate since its construction.
Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on file took 176 individuals in 1948 and was the result of a blast on the lower level at a multi-story storage facility. The most deadly was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when in excess of 600 attendees lost their lives.
