Hong Kong Chief Executive Orders Probe into Fatal Blaze that Took 151
The city's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an separate inquiry panel to probe the origins of a tragic inferno that claimed the lives of 151 residents.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
Last Wednesday, the majority of the apartment buildings at the Wang Fuk Court—that was in the midst of major refurbishment—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 people have been taken into custody over alleged culpable homicide, comprising the executives of a building firm.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Yes, we need reform. Yes, we have identified failures in different stages. That is exactly why we must act seriously to ensure that all these loopholes are eliminated," he said.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The fire—that propagated rapidly both vertically and from building to building—was not completely extinguished by Friday morning, around 40 hours after it began, and took more than 2,000 firefighters to subdue.
That very day, police began entering the buildings to collect forensic material. The government indicates the inquiry could require several weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
Several residents have reported they did not hear a emergency siren when the fire erupted. Hong Kong's fire service found that alarms in each building were not working effectively.
The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended renovation projects on three dozen private developments.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
In a related development, officers took into custody a individual on charges related to incitement on Saturday. He was part of a collective demanding an autonomous investigation into the fire. An internet-based appeal amassed in excess of 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its information was removed.
Two other people, comprising a former district councillor, were also taken in by officers, as reported by press accounts.
Global Response
The human rights organization and The monitoring body have both condemned the said apprehensions.
"Now is the time for the city's officials to transparently investigate the causes of the tragic incident...rather than suppressing those who pose valid inquiries," stated the organization.
Historical Context and Demographics
The residential complex was built in the early 1980s and had provided close to 2,000 units for some 4,600 occupants, according to a 2021 government census.
Almost four in ten of its occupants are believed to be at least 65 years old. Several have resided in the subsidised housing estate from its inception.
The city's second-deadliest fire on in history claimed 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was the result of a blast on the lower level at a commercial building. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 individuals perished.