The city's Leader Orders Investigation into Fatal Blaze that Took 151
The city's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an independent committee to examine the reasons of a catastrophic blaze that killed at least 151 people.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
Last Wednesday, the majority of the residential blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—which was subject to extensive renovations—were engulfed by fire. Authorities later discovered that protective netting used around the buildings fell short of fire safety regulations.
A minimum of 13 individuals have been taken into custody over alleged culpable homicide, including the executives of a construction company.
"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a big fire. Reform is necessary. Yes, we have identified failures in different stages. Hence we must act seriously to guarantee all these deficiencies are eliminated," he said.
Investigation and Aftermath
The inferno—that propagated rapidly both vertically and from building to building—was not completely extinguished by Friday morning, around 40 hours after it ignited, and required in excess of 2,000 firefighters to bring under control.
That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to gather evidence. Authorities say the investigation could require several weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
Several residents have stated they did not hear a emergency siren when the blaze started. Hong Kong's fire service discovered that detection devices in every tower were operating inadequately.
The relevant regulatory body has halted for now construction activities on numerous private sites.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
Additionally, police reportedly detained a young man on suspicion of subversion on Saturday. He was among a collective petitioning for an independent inquiry into the tragedy. An online petition amassed in excess of 10,000 signatures in less than a day before its information was removed.
Two other people, comprising a former district councillor, were also taken in by officers, per news outlets.
Global Response
The human rights organization and Human Rights Watch have both denounced the said apprehensions.
"Now is the time for the city's officials to transparently investigate the causes of the catastrophic blaze...instead of suppressing those who raise appropriate concerns," Amnesty International said.
Background and Resident Profile
The residential complex was completed in 1983 and had offered nearly two thousand flats for approximately 4,600 residents, based on a 2021 government census.
Almost four in ten of its residents are estimated to be older than 65 years of age. Several have lived in the government-supported development since it was built.
The city's second-worst blaze on in history took 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was the result of a ground-floor explosion at a commercial building. The worst was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when more than 600 people lost their lives.