The city's Chief Executive Directs Investigation into Deadly Inferno that Took 151
Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an independent committee to investigate the cause of a devastating fire that took a minimum of 151 individuals.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
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 surrounding the buildings failed to meet fire safety regulations.
No fewer than 13 suspects have been detained on suspicion of suspected manslaughter, among them the senior figures of a building firm.
"This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. Yes, we have identified failures in various phases. This is precisely the reason we must act seriously to make certain all these gaps are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.
Investigation and Aftermath
The inferno—which spread quickly both vertically and between the blocks—was finally put out by the morning of Friday, around 40 hours after it ignited, and took in excess of 2,000 fire service personnel to subdue.
On that day, authorities started accessing the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the investigation could require three to four weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
Multiple inhabitants have said they failed to hear a fire alarm when the fire erupted. The city's fire department determined that detection devices in all eight blocks were malfunctioning.
The city's construction authority has halted for now construction activities on three dozen private developments.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
Additionally, officers took into custody a young man on allegations of sedition on Saturday. He was part of a group demanding an independent inquiry into the blaze. An internet-based appeal amassed more than 10,000 supporters in under 24 hours before its page was taken down.
Another two individuals, comprising a former district councillor, were also taken in by authorities, according to news outlets.
Global Response
The rights group and Human Rights Watch have both criticised the said apprehensions.
"Now is the time for the local government to transparently investigate the causes of the devastating fire...instead of muzzling those who raise appropriate concerns," stated the organization.
Historical Context and Demographics
Wang Fuk Court was built in 1983 and had offered 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 residents, according to a population count.
Nearly 40% of its occupants are thought to be over 65 years old. Some have lived in the government-supported development since it was built.
Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on record killed 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was caused by a detonation at street level at a multi-story storage facility. The most deadly was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when more than 600 attendees perished.
