Hong Kong Chief Executive Orders Investigation into Deadly Fire that Killed 151
The city's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an independent committee to probe the origins of a tragic inferno that took a minimum of 151 residents.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
Last Wednesday, most of the apartment buildings at the housing complex—that was in the midst of significant upgrades—were engulfed by fire. A probe subsequently revealed that safety scaffolding mesh surrounding the buildings fell short of fire safety regulations.
No fewer than 13 suspects have been detained on suspicion of alleged culpable homicide, including the senior figures of a construction company.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a big fire. Yes, we need reform. Yes, we have identified failures in multiple areas. This is precisely the reason we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these loopholes are plucked," stated the leader.
Investigation and Aftermath
The blaze—which spread quickly both upwards and from building to building—was not completely extinguished by Friday morning, approximately two days after it ignited, and necessitated more than 2,000 emergency responders to bring under control.
On that day, authorities started accessing the buildings to collect forensic material. The government indicates the probe could require three to four weeks.
Systemic Failures Identified
A number of occupants have reported they failed to hear a smoke detector when the incident started. The city's fire department discovered that warning systems in each building were not working effectively.
The relevant regulatory body has halted for now construction activities on three dozen private developments.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
In a related development, officers took into custody a individual on allegations of subversion on the weekend. He was part of a collective demanding an independent inquiry into the tragedy. An online petition amassed over 10,000 signatures in less than a day before its information was removed.
Another two individuals, including a ex-local representative, were also questioned by officers, per news outlets.
Global Response
Amnesty International and The monitoring body have both criticised the reported arrests.
"Now is the time for the city's officials to thoroughly and publicly probe the origins of the devastating fire...as opposed to silencing those who pose valid inquiries," stated the organization.
Historical Context and Demographics
Wang Fuk Court was completed in the early 1980s and had supplied nearly two thousand flats for approximately 4,600 occupants, according to a recent official survey.
Approximately 40 percent of its residents are believed to be at least 65 years of age. Several have resided in the public housing complex from its inception.
Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on record killed 176 people in 1948 and was triggered by a ground-floor explosion at a five-storey warehouse. The most deadly was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when more than 600 attendees lost their lives.
