Hong Kong Chief Executive Orders Investigation into Fatal Fire that Took 151
Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an separate inquiry panel to probe the origins of a tragic inferno that claimed the lives of 151 individuals.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
Last Wednesday, the majority of the tower blocks at the housing complex—which was subject to major refurbishment—were consumed by a blaze. A probe subsequently revealed that protective netting used around the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards.
No fewer than 13 suspects have been arrested for alleged culpable homicide, including the senior figures of a construction company.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in multiple areas. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these deficiencies are plucked," he said.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The inferno—which spread quickly both vertically and between the blocks—was finally put out by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it started, and necessitated more than 2,000 emergency responders to contain.
That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the inquiry could require several weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
Several residents have stated they failed to hear a smoke detector when the incident started. The city's fire department discovered that alarms in each building were malfunctioning.
The relevant regulatory body has put on hold renovation projects on 30 private projects.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a 24-year-old man on allegations of sedition on Saturday. He was among a collective calling for an independent inquiry into the fire. An digital signature drive gathered more than 10,000 signatures in a very short time before its information was removed.
Two other people, among them a past council member, were also detained by police, according to news outlets.
Global Response
Amnesty International and The monitoring body have both criticised the alleged detentions.
"Now is the time for the local government to transparently investigate the origins of the tragic incident...as opposed to suppressing those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group.
Background and Resident Profile
Wang Fuk Court was built in 1983 and had offered 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 residents, according to a recent official survey.
Nearly 40% of its inhabitants are thought to be older than 65 years old. A number have been occupants of the government-supported development since its construction.
Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on in history killed 176 lives in 1948 and was triggered by a ground-floor explosion at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at a sporting venue in 1918, when in excess of 600 attendees perished.
