Hong Kong Chief Executive Directs Investigation into Deadly Blaze that Took 151
Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an autonomous task force to probe the origins of a devastating fire that killed at least 151 individuals.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
Last Wednesday, seven of eight residential blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—went up in flames. Authorities later discovered that protective netting surrounding the buildings failed to meet flame retardant standards.
A minimum of 13 people have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, including the senior figures of a building firm.
"This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. Yes, we have identified failures in various phases. This is precisely the reason we must act seriously to ensure that all these loopholes are addressed," he said.
The Probe and Its Consequences
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 took more than 2,000 firefighters to bring under control.
That very day, police began entering the buildings to secure proof. Officials state the probe could require approximately a month.
Systemic Failures Identified
Multiple inhabitants have reported they failed to hear a emergency siren when the incident broke out. Local firefighters discovered that warning systems in all eight blocks were not working effectively.
The city's construction authority has temporarily suspended works on numerous private sites.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
In a related development, police reportedly detained a 24-year-old man on charges related to incitement on the weekend. He was involved with a collective calling for an separate review into the fire. An internet-based appeal gathered over 10,000 endorsements in under 24 hours before its contents were wiped.
Two other people, including a ex-local representative, were also questioned by officers, as reported by news outlets.
International Reaction
Amnesty International and Another watchdog have both criticised the reported arrests.
"The moment has come for the local government to transparently investigate the reasons of the tragic incident...instead of suppressing those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group.
Background and Resident Profile
The housing estate was completed in 1983 and had supplied close to 2,000 units for around 4,600 occupants, according to a population count.
Approximately 40 percent of its occupants are thought to be over 65 years old. Several have resided in the government-supported development since its construction.
Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on record killed 176 lives in 1948 and was triggered by a ground-floor explosion at a five-storey warehouse. The deadliest was at a sporting venue in 1918, when in excess of 600 attendees died.
