Hong Kong Leader Orders Investigation into Fatal Fire that Took 151
Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an separate inquiry panel to examine the reasons of a catastrophic blaze that claimed the lives of 151 people.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
On Wednesday last week, most of the apartment buildings at the Wang Fuk Court—that was in the midst of significant upgrades—went up in flames. A probe subsequently revealed that safety scaffolding mesh installed on the buildings failed to meet flame retardant standards.
At least 13 people have been arrested for alleged culpable homicide, comprising the senior figures of a contractor.
"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Yes, we need reform. Failures have been detected in multiple areas. Hence we must act seriously to ensure that all these loopholes are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The inferno—advancing with speed both vertically and from building to building—was finally put out by the morning of Friday, approximately two days after it started, and took in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to subdue.
On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to gather evidence. Officials state the investigation could last several weeks.
Systemic Failures Identified
A number of occupants have reported they were not alerted by a smoke detector when the fire started. Local firefighters discovered that detection devices in every tower were not working effectively.
The relevant regulatory body has put on hold works on three dozen private developments.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
Separately, officers took into custody a individual on charges related to incitement on Saturday. He was involved with a gathering demanding an independent inquiry into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal gathered in excess of 10,000 supporters in less than a day before its information was removed.
Another two individuals, among them a ex-local representative, were also detained by authorities, as reported by news outlets.
International Reaction
The human rights organization and The monitoring body have both denounced the reported arrests.
"Now is the time for the local government to transparently investigate the causes of the catastrophic blaze...instead of suppressing those who raise appropriate concerns," stated the organization.
Background and Resident Profile
Wang Fuk Court was completed in the early 1980s and had supplied nearly two thousand flats for approximately 4,600 residents, per a 2021 government census.
Approximately 40 percent of its residents are believed to be at least 65 years old. Several have lived in the government-supported development from its inception.
The city's second-most fatal incident on record took 176 individuals 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 a sporting venue in 1918, when over 600 people died.
