The city's Chief Executive Directs Investigation into Fatal Blaze that Took 151
Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an independent committee to examine the reasons of a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 151 people.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
On Wednesday last week, seven of eight residential blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—which was subject to significant upgrades—were consumed by a blaze. A probe subsequently revealed that protective netting used around the buildings fell short of requirements for fire resistance.
No fewer than 13 suspects have been taken into custody over suspected manslaughter, among them the directors of a contractor.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in various phases. That is exactly why we must act seriously to guarantee all these gaps are addressed," remarked Mr. Lee.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The blaze—which spread quickly both vertically and between the blocks—was not completely extinguished by Friday morning, around 40 hours after it began, and necessitated more than 2,000 emergency responders to subdue.
That very day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. The government indicates the inquiry could take approximately a month.
Systemic Failures Identified
A number of occupants have stated they did not hear a emergency siren when the incident broke out. Local firefighters determined that alarms in all eight blocks were not working effectively.
The relevant regulatory body has halted for now renovation projects on three dozen private developments.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
Additionally, officers took into custody a young man on suspicion of incitement on Saturday. He was involved with a group demanding an separate review into the tragedy. An online petition amassed more than 10,000 supporters in under 24 hours before its information was removed.
Two other people, including a past council member, were also detained by authorities, according to local media reports.
Global Response
The rights group and The monitoring body have both criticised the reported arrests.
"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly and publicly probe the origins of the catastrophic blaze...as opposed to muzzling those who raise appropriate concerns," remarked the group.
Background and Resident Profile
The housing estate was completed in 1983 and had offered 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 inhabitants, according to a recent official survey.
Approximately 40 percent of its residents are believed to be older than 65 years old. Some have lived in the subsidised housing estate from its inception.
The city's second-deadliest fire on record claimed 176 people in 1948 and was caused by a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The most deadly was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when over 600 attendees lost their lives.
