Hong Kong Leader Directs Investigation into Tragic Inferno that Took 151
The city's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an separate inquiry panel to examine the reasons of a devastating fire that killed at least 151 individuals.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
This past Wednesday, seven of eight apartment buildings at the Wang Fuk Court—which was subject to major refurbishment—were engulfed by fire. Authorities later discovered that protective netting used around the buildings fell short of fire safety regulations.
At least 13 individuals have been arrested for potential negligent homicide, among them the senior figures of a building firm.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. Yes, we have identified failures in multiple areas. This is precisely the reason we must take decisive action to make certain all these loopholes are addressed," he said.
Investigation and Aftermath
The fire—advancing with speed both vertically and across the separate towers—was only fully doused by the end of the week, around 40 hours after it started, and took over 2,000 emergency responders to bring under control.
The same day, authorities started accessing the buildings to collect forensic material. The government indicates the probe could require several weeks.
Systemic Failures Identified
Several residents have stated they failed to hear a smoke detector when the incident erupted. The city's fire department found that warning systems in each building were operating inadequately.
Hong Kong's buildings department has halted for now works on three dozen private developments.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
Additionally, officers took into custody a individual on allegations of incitement on Saturday. He was part of a gathering demanding an separate review into the tragedy. An online petition collected over 10,000 supporters in under 24 hours before its page was taken down.
Two other people, including a ex-local representative, were also questioned by police, according to press accounts.
International Reaction
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both criticised the reported arrests.
"Now is the time for the local government to thoroughly and publicly probe the reasons of the catastrophic blaze...instead of suppressing those who raise appropriate concerns," stated the organization.
Historical Context and Demographics
The housing estate was completed in 1983 and had provided nearly two thousand flats for some 4,600 occupants, based on a recent official survey.
Nearly 40% of its inhabitants are estimated to be at least 65 years of age. A number have been occupants of the subsidised housing estate since its construction.
The city's second-most fatal incident on record claimed 176 individuals in 1948 and was triggered by a detonation at street level at a five-storey warehouse. The deadliest was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when over 600 attendees died.
