The city's Leader Orders Investigation into Deadly Fire that Killed 151
The city's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an separate inquiry panel to investigate the cause of a devastating fire that took a minimum of 151 individuals.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
Last Wednesday, most of the apartment buildings at the Wang Fuk Court—which had been undergoing extensive renovations—were engulfed by fire. A probe subsequently revealed that protective netting surrounding the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards.
A minimum of 13 individuals have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, comprising the directors of a contractor.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a big fire. Yes, we need reform. Failures have been detected in multiple areas. This is precisely the reason we must take decisive action to guarantee all these deficiencies are addressed," remarked Mr. Lee.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The blaze—which spread quickly both vertically and across the separate towers—was only fully doused by the morning of Friday, approximately two days after it started, and required over 2,000 fire service personnel to bring under control.
The same day, authorities started accessing the buildings to secure proof. The government indicates the inquiry could last several weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
Several residents have said they failed to hear a smoke detector when the blaze erupted. Local firefighters determined that warning systems in every tower were not working effectively.
Hong Kong's buildings department has temporarily suspended construction activities on numerous private sites.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
Additionally, officers took into custody a individual on suspicion of incitement on Saturday. He was involved with a gathering demanding an separate review into the fire. An internet-based appeal collected in excess of 10,000 supporters in less than a day before its information was removed.
Two other people, among them a ex-local representative, were also detained by police, according to press accounts.
Global Response
The rights group and Human Rights Watch have both condemned the said apprehensions.
"This is the occasion for the Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly and publicly probe the causes of the devastating fire...instead of muzzling those who raise appropriate concerns," Amnesty International said.
Background and Resident Profile
The residential complex was completed in the early 1980s and had provided 1,984 apartments for approximately 4,600 inhabitants, based on a population count.
Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are believed to be older than 65 years of age. Some have lived in the government-supported development from its inception.
Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on file claimed 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was the result of a blast on the lower level at a multi-story storage facility. The deadliest was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when more than 600 people perished.
