Hong Kong Leader Directs Probe into Tragic Fire that Took 151
The city's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an independent committee to examine the reasons of a tragic inferno that claimed the lives of 151 individuals.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
Last Wednesday, the majority of the residential blocks at the estate—which was subject to extensive renovations—were engulfed by fire. A probe subsequently revealed that construction site netting used around the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards.
No fewer than 13 individuals have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, including the senior figures of a contractor.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, the fire was immense. Changes are required. Failures have been detected in different stages. This is precisely the reason we must take decisive action to guarantee all these gaps are addressed," stated the leader.
Investigation and Aftermath
The inferno—that propagated rapidly both upwards and from building to building—was finally put out by the end of the week, approximately two days after it ignited, and took in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to bring under control.
The same day, authorities started accessing the buildings to collect forensic material. The government indicates the investigation could last approximately a month.
Systemic Failures Identified
A number of occupants have stated they failed to hear a fire alarm when the fire erupted. Local firefighters found that detection devices in all eight blocks were not working effectively.
The relevant regulatory body has put on hold renovation projects on 30 private projects.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
In a related development, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on suspicion of incitement on the weekend. He was part of a group petitioning for an independent inquiry into the blaze. An online petition gathered over 10,000 endorsements in less than a day before its contents were wiped.
Two other people, among them a former district councillor, were also taken in by officers, per news outlets.
International Reaction
Amnesty International and The monitoring body have both criticised the reported arrests.
"This is the occasion for the Hong Kong authorities to transparently investigate the origins of the devastating fire...as opposed to suppressing those who raise appropriate concerns," remarked the group.
Background and Resident Profile
Wang Fuk Court was built in the early 1980s and had provided nearly two thousand flats for around 4,600 occupants, per a population count.
Almost four in ten of its residents are estimated to be at least 65 years old. Some have lived in the government-supported development since its construction.
Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on in history claimed 176 individuals in 1948 and was caused by a blast on the lower level at a commercial building. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when over 600 people lost their lives.
