The city's Leader Orders Investigation into Tragic Blaze that Took 151
The city's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an separate inquiry panel to probe the origins of a devastating fire that killed at least 151 people.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
Last Wednesday, the majority of the residential blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—were engulfed by fire. A probe subsequently revealed that safety scaffolding mesh surrounding the buildings fell short of requirements for fire resistance.
No fewer than 13 individuals have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, including the senior figures of a construction company.
"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Reform is necessary. We have uncovered shortcomings in various phases. Hence we must respond rigorously to guarantee all these deficiencies are addressed," stated the leader.
Investigation and Aftermath
The inferno—advancing with speed both vertically and from building to building—was only fully doused by the end of the week, approximately two days after it began, and necessitated over 2,000 firefighters to bring under control.
The same day, authorities started accessing the buildings to collect forensic material. The government indicates the investigation could last three to four weeks.
Systemic Failures Identified
Several residents have stated they were not alerted by a smoke detector when the blaze erupted. Local firefighters found that alarms in each building were not working effectively.
The relevant regulatory body has put on hold works on three dozen private developments.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
Separately, police reportedly detained a young man on suspicion of sedition on Saturday. He was part of a group calling for an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An digital signature drive gathered more than 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its contents were wiped.
A pair of additional persons, including a past council member, were also taken in by officers, per local media reports.
Global Response
The rights group and The monitoring body have both criticised the reported arrests.
"This is the occasion for the local government to thoroughly and publicly probe the reasons of the devastating fire...rather than muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," Amnesty International said.
Historical Context and Demographics
Wang Fuk Court was completed in 1983 and had supplied 1,984 apartments for approximately 4,600 residents, based on a population count.
Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are believed to be at least 65 years of age. A number have resided in the public housing complex since its construction.
Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on file killed 176 people in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a ground-floor explosion at a multi-story storage facility. The most deadly was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when more than 600 individuals perished.
