Hong Kong Chief Executive Orders Investigation into Deadly Blaze that Took 151
Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an autonomous task force to examine the reasons of a catastrophic blaze that claimed the lives of 151 residents.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
Last Wednesday, most of the tower blocks 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 surrounding the buildings did not comply with requirements for fire resistance.
No fewer than 13 people have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, comprising the senior figures of a contractor.
"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a big fire. Yes, we need reform. Failures have been detected in multiple areas. That is exactly why we must act seriously to make certain all these gaps are eliminated," stated the leader.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The inferno—which spread quickly both upwards and from building to building—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, some 40 hours after it began, and took in excess of 2,000 fire service personnel to subdue.
The same day, authorities started accessing the buildings to gather evidence. The government indicates the probe could require approximately a month.
Shortcomings Uncovered
A number of occupants have said they did not hear a fire alarm when the fire erupted. The city's fire department determined that alarms in every tower were malfunctioning.
The relevant regulatory body has halted for now construction activities on three dozen private developments.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
Separately, officers took into custody a 24-year-old man on suspicion of subversion on Saturday. He was involved with a collective petitioning for an separate review into the blaze. An digital signature drive collected more than 10,000 supporters in less than a day before its contents were wiped.
Two other people, comprising a ex-local representative, were also detained by authorities, as reported by press accounts.
Global Response
The human rights organization and Human Rights Watch have both criticised the said apprehensions.
"The moment has come for the city's officials to thoroughly and publicly probe the reasons of the devastating fire...instead of muzzling those who raise appropriate concerns," remarked the group.
Background and Resident Profile
The residential complex was constructed in 1983 and had provided nearly two thousand flats for approximately 4,600 occupants, per a 2021 government census.
Almost four in ten of its occupants are believed to be at least 65 years of age. Some have lived in the government-supported development from its inception.
The city's second-deadliest fire on record killed 176 people in 1948 and was triggered by a blast on the lower level at a five-storey warehouse. The most deadly was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 attendees perished.
