Hong Kong Chief Executive Orders Investigation into Fatal Inferno that Claimed Lives of 151
Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an separate inquiry panel to examine the reasons of a catastrophic blaze that took a minimum of 151 residents.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
Last Wednesday, the majority of the apartment buildings at the Wang Fuk Court—which had been undergoing extensive renovations—went up in flames. Authorities later discovered that protective netting used around the buildings fell short of fire safety regulations.
No fewer than 13 individuals have been detained on suspicion of alleged culpable homicide, including the senior figures of a contractor.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a big fire. Changes are required. Failures have been detected in various phases. This is precisely the reason we must respond rigorously to make certain all these loopholes are plucked," he said.
Investigation and Aftermath
The fire—advancing with speed both upwards and between the blocks—was not completely extinguished by Friday morning, approximately two days after it began, and necessitated over 2,000 fire service personnel to subdue.
On that day, authorities started accessing the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the inquiry could last three to four weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
A number of occupants have reported they were not alerted by a smoke detector when the incident started. The city's fire department discovered that warning systems in every tower were operating inadequately.
The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended renovation projects on numerous private sites.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a young man on charges related to sedition on Saturday. He was among a group petitioning for an autonomous investigation into the tragedy. An online petition gathered more than 10,000 signatures in a very short time before its contents were wiped.
Two other people, comprising a ex-local representative, were also questioned by police, as reported by press accounts.
International Reaction
The rights group and Another watchdog have both criticised the reported arrests.
"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to transparently investigate the reasons of the devastating fire...as opposed to silencing those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group.
Background and Resident Profile
The residential complex was constructed in the early 1980s and had offered 1,984 apartments for approximately 4,600 inhabitants, based on a population count.
Nearly 40% of its inhabitants are thought to be at least 65 years old. A number have resided in the government-supported development since its construction.
The city's second-deadliest fire on file claimed 176 people in 1948 and was triggered by a blast on the lower level at a commercial building. The deadliest was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when over 600 people died.
