The city's Chief Executive Directs Probe into Tragic Inferno that Killed 151
The city's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an separate inquiry panel to examine the reasons of a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 151 people.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
On Wednesday last week, seven of eight tower blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—that was in the midst of significant upgrades—went up in flames. A probe subsequently revealed that protective netting installed on the buildings failed to meet requirements for fire resistance.
No fewer than 13 individuals have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, including the senior figures of a construction company.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a big fire. Changes are required. We have uncovered shortcomings in multiple areas. That is exactly why we must act seriously to ensure that all these loopholes are eliminated," remarked Mr. Lee.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The inferno—which spread quickly both upwards and from building to building—was finally put out by the end of the week, some 40 hours after it began, and took over 2,000 emergency responders to subdue.
That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to collect forensic material. Officials state the inquiry could last approximately a month.
Shortcomings Uncovered
Multiple inhabitants have reported they failed to hear a fire alarm when the blaze erupted. Hong Kong's fire service discovered that warning systems in each building were malfunctioning.
The relevant regulatory body has halted for now construction activities on 30 private projects.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
Separately, officers took into custody a individual on allegations of sedition on Saturday. He was involved with a group calling for an separate review into the tragedy. An online petition collected more than 10,000 supporters in under 24 hours before its contents were wiped.
Another two individuals, among them a past council member, were also taken in by police, as reported by news outlets.
Global Response
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both denounced the reported arrests.
"This is the occasion for the local government to openly examine the reasons of the devastating fire...instead of muzzling those who pose valid inquiries," Amnesty International said.
Background and Resident Profile
Wang Fuk Court was completed in the early 1980s and had offered nearly two thousand flats for around 4,600 inhabitants, according to a 2021 government census.
Almost four in ten of its residents are thought to be older than 65 years of age. Several have lived in the public housing complex since it was built.
Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on record took 176 people in the mid-20th century and was caused by a ground-floor explosion at a five-storey warehouse. The most deadly was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 individuals lost their lives.