The city's Leader Orders Investigation into Tragic Blaze that Took 151
The city's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an autonomous task force to probe the origins of a tragic inferno that killed at least 151 residents.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
This past Wednesday, seven of eight residential blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—which had been undergoing significant upgrades—went up in flames. A probe subsequently revealed that protective netting installed on the buildings failed to meet flame retardant standards.
A minimum of 13 people have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, including the executives of a construction company.
"This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. Yes, we have identified failures in various phases. This is precisely the reason we must act seriously to guarantee all these gaps are addressed," remarked Mr. Lee.
Investigation and Aftermath
The inferno—advancing with speed both vertically and between the blocks—was only fully doused by the morning of Friday, around 40 hours after it began, and took in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to bring under control.
On that day, police began entering the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the inquiry could require approximately a month.
Systemic Failures Identified
Several residents have stated they did not hear a emergency siren when the fire started. Hong Kong's fire service found that warning systems in every tower were not working effectively.
The city's construction authority has put on hold renovation projects on numerous private sites.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
Separately, authorities are said to have arrested a young man on allegations of subversion on Saturday. He was part of a gathering demanding an autonomous investigation into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal collected over 10,000 endorsements in a very short time before its information was removed.
Two other people, among them a ex-local representative, were also detained by authorities, per press accounts.
International Reaction
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both condemned the reported arrests.
"This is the occasion for the local government to thoroughly and publicly probe the reasons of the catastrophic blaze...instead of silencing those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group.
Background and Resident Profile
The housing estate was completed in the early 1980s and had offered 1,984 apartments for approximately 4,600 residents, per a population count.
Nearly 40% of its residents are thought to be older than 65 years of age. Some have lived in the government-supported development since its construction.
Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on record claimed 176 people in the mid-20th century and was caused by a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The most deadly was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when more than 600 individuals perished.
