The city's Chief Executive Orders Probe into Tragic Fire that Took 151
The city's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an autonomous task force to investigate the cause of a devastating fire that took a minimum of 151 individuals.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
On Wednesday last week, seven of eight apartment buildings at the estate—which was subject to extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that protective netting installed on the buildings fell short of requirements for fire resistance.
A minimum of 13 suspects have been detained on suspicion of alleged culpable homicide, including the executives of a contractor.
"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a big fire. Changes are required. Yes, we have identified failures in multiple areas. Hence we must respond rigorously to make certain all these deficiencies are plucked," stated the leader.
Investigation and Aftermath
The inferno—advancing with speed both vertically and across the separate towers—was only fully doused by Friday morning, approximately two days after it started, and required in excess of 2,000 fire service personnel to bring under control.
The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the probe could last several weeks.
Systemic Failures Identified
Several residents have reported they were not alerted by a smoke detector when the incident erupted. Local firefighters discovered that detection devices in all eight blocks were malfunctioning.
The city's construction authority has temporarily suspended works on numerous private sites.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
Separately, police reportedly detained a young man on charges related to sedition on the weekend. He was among a gathering petitioning for an separate review into the blaze. An internet-based appeal amassed over 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its information was removed.
A pair of additional persons, comprising a ex-local representative, were also questioned by authorities, according to news outlets.
Global Response
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both condemned the said apprehensions.
"The moment has come for the local government to transparently investigate the causes of the tragic incident...rather than silencing those who pose valid inquiries," stated the organization.
Historical Context and Demographics
Wang Fuk Court was completed in the early 1980s and had supplied close to 2,000 units for some 4,600 residents, according to a population count.
Almost four in ten of its occupants are believed to be at least 65 years of age. A number have lived in the public housing complex since it was built.
Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on record killed 176 lives in 1948 and was caused by a ground-floor explosion at a multi-story storage facility. The most deadly was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when over 600 attendees lost their lives.
