The city's Chief Executive Orders Investigation into Tragic Blaze that Took 151
Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an independent committee to investigate the cause of a catastrophic blaze that claimed the lives of 151 individuals.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
On Wednesday last week, seven of eight apartment buildings at the estate—which was subject to extensive renovations—were engulfed by fire. Investigators have since found that safety scaffolding mesh installed on the buildings fell short of fire safety regulations.
No fewer than 13 people have been arrested for alleged culpable homicide, comprising the senior figures of a contractor.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a big fire. Reform is necessary. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. That is exactly why we must act seriously to make certain all these deficiencies are plucked," he said.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The blaze—which spread quickly both vertically and from building to building—was only fully doused by the end of the week, approximately two days after it began, and necessitated more than 2,000 emergency responders to bring under control.
On that day, authorities started accessing the buildings to secure proof. The government indicates the probe could last several weeks.
Systemic Failures Identified
Multiple inhabitants have stated they failed to hear a emergency siren when the blaze broke out. Local firefighters determined that alarms in all eight blocks were not working effectively.
The city's construction authority has put on hold renovation projects on numerous private sites.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a 24-year-old man on allegations of incitement on Saturday. He was involved with a collective calling for an independent inquiry into the fire. An online petition amassed more than 10,000 supporters in under 24 hours before its contents were wiped.
Two other people, among them a former district councillor, were also questioned by police, per local media reports.
Global Response
The rights group and Another watchdog have both condemned the alleged detentions.
"The moment has come for the Hong Kong authorities to openly examine the origins of the tragic incident...rather than silencing those who raise appropriate concerns," remarked the group.
Historical Context and Demographics
Wang Fuk Court was completed in 1983 and had provided nearly two thousand flats for some 4,600 inhabitants, per a population count.
Approximately 40 percent of its occupants are estimated to be over 65 years old. Some have lived in the subsidised housing estate since its construction.
The city's second-worst blaze on in history claimed 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a detonation at street level at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when over 600 individuals died.