The city's Leader Directs Investigation into Fatal Blaze that Took 151
Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an autonomous task force to investigate the cause of a tragic inferno that took a minimum of 151 people.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
On Wednesday last week, most of the residential blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—that was in the midst of significant upgrades—were consumed by a blaze. A probe subsequently revealed that protective netting used around the buildings fell short of fire safety regulations.
A minimum of 13 suspects have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, including the senior figures of a construction company.
"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Changes are required. Failures have been detected in multiple areas. That is exactly why we must take decisive action to make certain all these gaps are plucked," he said.
Investigation and Aftermath
The blaze—advancing with speed both upwards and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by the end of the week, around 40 hours after it ignited, and took over 2,000 emergency responders to subdue.
The same day, police began entering the buildings to gather evidence. Authorities say the inquiry could require approximately a month.
Systemic Failures Identified
Several residents have stated they were not alerted by a emergency siren when the incident broke out. The city's fire department determined that warning systems in every tower were not working effectively.
The relevant regulatory body has put on hold works on 30 private projects.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
Additionally, police reportedly detained a 24-year-old man on suspicion of incitement on the weekend. He was among a gathering petitioning for an separate review into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal collected more than 10,000 endorsements in under 24 hours before its contents were wiped.
Two other people, among them a former district councillor, were also questioned by authorities, according to news outlets.
International Reaction
The rights group and Another watchdog have both criticised the alleged detentions.
"The moment has come for the city's officials to thoroughly and publicly probe the origins of the devastating fire...instead of muzzling those who raise appropriate concerns," remarked the group.
Historical Context and Demographics
Wang Fuk Court was built in the early 1980s and had supplied 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 occupants, according to a population count.
Nearly 40% of its residents are estimated to be over 65 years of age. Some have lived in the public housing complex since its construction.
Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on file took 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was the result of a blast on the lower level at a commercial building. The most deadly was at a local racetrack in 1918, when over 600 attendees lost their lives.
