Hong Kong Chief Executive Orders Investigation into Deadly Fire that Took 151
The city's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an independent committee to probe the origins of a tragic inferno that took a minimum of 151 residents.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
This past Wednesday, most of the apartment buildings at the housing complex—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that construction site netting used around the buildings did not comply with fire safety regulations.
No fewer than 13 individuals have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, including the directors of a building firm.
"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a big fire. Reform is necessary. Failures have been detected in multiple areas. This is precisely the reason we must respond rigorously to make certain all these deficiencies are eliminated," stated the leader.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The blaze—advancing with speed both upwards and between the blocks—was finally put out by the end of the week, around 40 hours after it ignited, and necessitated over 2,000 fire service personnel to contain.
The same day, authorities started accessing the buildings to gather evidence. Officials state the inquiry could last several weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
Several residents have stated they failed to hear a emergency siren when the blaze erupted. Local firefighters determined that warning systems in each building were not working effectively.
The relevant regulatory body has halted for now construction activities on numerous private sites.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on charges related to subversion on the weekend. He was part of a collective calling for an separate review into the tragedy. An digital signature drive amassed more than 10,000 signatures in less than a day before its contents were wiped.
Another two individuals, comprising a former district councillor, were also detained by authorities, according to press accounts.
Global Response
Amnesty International and The monitoring body have both denounced the alleged detentions.
"The moment has come for the Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly and publicly probe the origins of the devastating fire...instead of muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," Amnesty International said.
Background and Resident Profile
Wang Fuk Court was constructed in the early 1980s and had provided 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 residents, per a recent official survey.
Nearly 40% of its residents are thought to be older than 65 years of age. Several have lived in the government-supported development since it was built.
Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on in history killed 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a blast on the lower level at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when more than 600 individuals lost their lives.
