Hong Kong Leader Orders Investigation into Fatal Fire that Took 151
Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an independent committee to examine the reasons of a catastrophic blaze that took a minimum of 151 residents.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
On Wednesday last week, seven of eight tower blocks at the estate—which had been undergoing major refurbishment—went up in flames. Authorities later discovered that safety scaffolding mesh used around the buildings did not comply with fire safety regulations.
No fewer than 13 suspects have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, including the senior figures of a contractor.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a big fire. Changes are required. Yes, we have identified failures in different stages. Hence we must act seriously to make certain all these gaps are addressed," stated the leader.
Investigation and Aftermath
The fire—that propagated rapidly both vertically and between the blocks—was finally put out by the end of the week, some 40 hours after it began, and required more than 2,000 firefighters to subdue.
On that day, police began entering the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the probe could take three to four weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
Multiple inhabitants have said they failed to hear a smoke detector when the incident broke out. Hong Kong's fire service determined that warning systems in each building were operating inadequately.
The city's construction authority has temporarily suspended construction activities on 30 private projects.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on charges related to sedition on Saturday. He was part of a group calling for an independent inquiry into the blaze. An digital signature drive amassed more than 10,000 supporters in less than a day before its page was taken down.
Two other people, comprising a past council member, were also detained by authorities, per local media reports.
International Reaction
Amnesty International and The monitoring body have both condemned the said apprehensions.
"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to transparently investigate the origins of the tragic incident...instead of silencing those who pose valid inquiries," Amnesty International said.
Background and Resident Profile
Wang Fuk Court was built in the early 1980s and had offered 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 residents, according to a 2021 government census.
Nearly 40% of its inhabitants are thought to be at least 65 years of age. Several have been occupants of the government-supported development since its construction.
Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on record killed 176 people in the mid-20th century and was caused by a ground-floor explosion at a commercial building. The most deadly was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 people perished.
