Hong Kong Chief Executive Directs Probe into Tragic Blaze that Took 151
Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an autonomous task force to investigate the cause of a devastating fire that took a minimum of 151 individuals.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
This past Wednesday, most of the residential blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—which was subject to significant upgrades—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that construction site netting used around the buildings fell short of flame retardant standards.
No fewer than 13 individuals have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, including the executives of a construction company.
"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a big fire. Changes are required. Failures have been detected in multiple areas. Hence we must respond rigorously to guarantee all these gaps are plucked," he said.
Investigation and Aftermath
The blaze—which spread quickly both upwards and from building to building—was finally put out by the morning of Friday, approximately two days after it began, and necessitated over 2,000 fire service personnel to bring under control.
On that day, authorities started accessing the buildings to gather evidence. Officials state the inquiry could take three to four weeks.
Systemic Failures Identified
A number of occupants have stated they failed to hear a emergency siren when the fire broke out. The city's fire department found that detection devices in every tower were not working effectively.
The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended construction activities on three dozen private developments.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
In a related development, authorities are said to have arrested a 24-year-old man on allegations of subversion on the weekend. He was part of a collective calling for an independent inquiry into the blaze. An online petition gathered over 10,000 endorsements in under 24 hours before its contents were wiped.
Another two individuals, comprising a past council member, were also detained by authorities, per local media reports.
Global Response
The rights group and Another watchdog have both condemned the said apprehensions.
"This is the occasion for the city's officials to openly examine the origins of the tragic incident...as opposed to muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," stated the organization.
Historical Context and Demographics
Wang Fuk Court was completed in 1983 and had supplied nearly two thousand flats for approximately 4,600 occupants, per a recent official survey.
Approximately 40 percent of its occupants are thought to be older than 65 years old. Some have been occupants of the government-supported development since it was built.
The city's second-deadliest fire on in history killed 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was the result of a detonation at street level at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at a sporting venue in 1918, when over 600 individuals died.