The city's Chief Executive Directs Investigation into Fatal Fire that Took 151
The city's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an independent committee to examine the reasons of a tragic inferno that took a minimum of 151 people.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
On Wednesday last week, the majority of the tower blocks at the housing complex—which was subject to extensive renovations—went up in flames. A probe subsequently revealed 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, comprising the directors of a construction company.
"It is a terrible tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. Yes, we have identified failures in different stages. Hence we must act seriously to make certain all these deficiencies are addressed," stated the leader.
Investigation and Aftermath
The fire—which spread quickly both upwards and from building to building—was not completely extinguished by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it ignited, and took over 2,000 emergency responders to bring under control.
That very day, police began entering the buildings to gather evidence. The government indicates the investigation could require three to four weeks.
Systemic Failures Identified
A number of occupants have said they did not hear a smoke detector when the blaze started. Local firefighters found that detection devices in each building were not working effectively.
The city's construction authority has put on hold construction activities on three dozen private developments.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
Separately, police reportedly detained a individual on suspicion of sedition on the weekend. He was among a group demanding an separate review into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal gathered in excess of 10,000 signatures in a very short time before its contents were wiped.
Two other people, including a former district councillor, were also detained by authorities, per news outlets.
Global Response
The rights group and Human Rights Watch have both condemned the said apprehensions.
"This is the occasion for the city's officials to transparently investigate the origins of the catastrophic blaze...as opposed to muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group.
Background and Resident Profile
Wang Fuk Court was built in 1983 and had provided 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 residents, based on a population count.
Almost four in ten of its occupants are believed to be at least 65 years of age. A number have been occupants of the subsidised housing estate from its inception.
Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on file claimed 176 individuals in 1948 and was the result of a detonation at street level at a multi-story storage facility. The deadliest was at a local racetrack in 1918, when more than 600 attendees died.
