The city's Chief Executive Orders Probe into Deadly Blaze that Killed 151
The city's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an separate inquiry panel to investigate the cause of a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 151 people.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
On Wednesday last week, the majority of the tower blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—which had been undergoing significant upgrades—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that protective netting used around the buildings failed to meet flame retardant standards.
No fewer than 13 individuals have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, among them the directors of a building firm.
"This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Changes are required. Failures have been detected in different stages. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these deficiencies are eliminated," he said.
Investigation and Aftermath
The inferno—advancing with speed both upwards and across the separate towers—was only fully doused by the end of the week, some 40 hours after it began, and necessitated over 2,000 emergency responders to subdue.
On that day, police began entering the buildings to collect forensic material. The government indicates the investigation could take approximately a month.
Systemic Failures Identified
A number of occupants have stated they failed to hear a emergency siren when the incident started. Hong Kong's fire service determined that warning systems in each building were malfunctioning.
Hong Kong's buildings department has put on hold works on three dozen private developments.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
In a related development, police reportedly detained a young man on allegations of incitement on Saturday. He was among a gathering petitioning for an separate review into the fire. An internet-based appeal amassed more than 10,000 endorsements in a very short time before its information was removed.
Two other people, among them a former district councillor, were also questioned by authorities, according to news outlets.
International Reaction
The rights group and The monitoring body have both denounced the said apprehensions.
"The moment has come for the Hong Kong authorities to openly examine the origins of the devastating fire...rather than suppressing those who raise appropriate concerns," stated the organization.
Historical Context and Demographics
Wang Fuk Court was completed in 1983 and had offered close to 2,000 units for some 4,600 residents, per a population count.
Nearly 40% of its inhabitants are estimated to be over 65 years of age. A number have resided in the public housing complex since it was built.
Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on in history killed 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a blast on the lower level at a commercial building. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when more than 600 people perished.
