The city's Chief Executive Directs Probe into Deadly Fire that Killed 151
The city's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an separate inquiry panel to investigate the cause of a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 151 people.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
Last Wednesday, seven of eight residential blocks at the estate—that was in the midst of major refurbishment—were engulfed by fire. A probe subsequently revealed that protective netting surrounding the buildings fell short of fire safety regulations.
No fewer than 13 people have been arrested for alleged culpable homicide, comprising the executives of a contractor.
"This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Reform is necessary. Yes, we have identified failures in different stages. This is precisely the reason we must respond rigorously to guarantee all these loopholes are eliminated," stated the leader.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The inferno—which spread quickly both upwards and from building to building—was finally put out by the end of the week, around 40 hours after it started, and required in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to contain.
That very day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to gather evidence. Officials state the investigation could take several weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
Several residents have stated they failed to hear a fire alarm when the blaze broke out. Local firefighters discovered that detection devices in every tower were operating inadequately.
Hong Kong's buildings department has temporarily suspended renovation projects on 30 private projects.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
Separately, officers took into custody a 24-year-old man on allegations of incitement on Saturday. He was part of a collective petitioning for an independent inquiry into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal collected over 10,000 supporters in under 24 hours before its page was taken down.
Two other people, including a past council member, were also detained by officers, as reported by news outlets.
International Reaction
The rights group and The monitoring body have both criticised the reported arrests.
"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to transparently investigate the reasons of the tragic incident...instead of silencing those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group.
Historical Context and Demographics
Wang Fuk Court was constructed in 1983 and had offered 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 inhabitants, per a 2021 government census.
Nearly 40% of its residents are believed to be over 65 years old. Some have been occupants of the subsidised housing estate from its inception.
The city's second-deadliest fire on file claimed 176 individuals in 1948 and was caused by a ground-floor explosion at a multi-story storage facility. The most deadly was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when over 600 attendees perished.
