The city's Chief Executive Orders Probe into Fatal Inferno that Took 151
The city's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an separate inquiry panel to examine the reasons of a catastrophic blaze that claimed the lives of 151 people.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
Last Wednesday, seven of eight residential blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—which was subject to extensive renovations—went up in flames. A probe subsequently revealed that construction site netting used around the buildings fell short of requirements for fire resistance.
No fewer than 13 suspects have been arrested for alleged culpable homicide, among them the directors of a building firm.
"This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Reform is necessary. Failures have been detected in multiple areas. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to make certain all these loopholes are addressed," remarked Mr. Lee.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The inferno—that propagated rapidly both upwards and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by the end of the week, around 40 hours after it ignited, and took in excess of 2,000 firefighters to subdue.
The same day, police began entering the buildings to secure proof. Officials state the probe could require approximately a month.
Systemic Failures Identified
Multiple inhabitants have said they were not alerted by a emergency siren when the blaze started. The city's fire department discovered that warning systems in all eight blocks were operating inadequately.
Hong Kong's buildings department has put on hold construction activities on three dozen private developments.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
In a related development, officers took into custody a individual on charges related to subversion on the weekend. He was part of a group calling for an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An online petition collected more than 10,000 signatures in a very short time before its page was taken down.
A pair of additional persons, including a past council member, were also questioned by officers, as reported by press accounts.
International Reaction
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both denounced the alleged detentions.
"The moment has come for the local government to thoroughly and publicly probe the causes of the tragic incident...as opposed to silencing those who pose valid inquiries," stated the organization.
Historical Context and Demographics
Wang Fuk Court was built in the early 1980s and had provided 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 residents, according to a population count.
Nearly 40% of its residents are estimated to be over 65 years old. Several have been occupants of the government-supported development since its construction.
Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on record killed 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a detonation at street level at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at a local racetrack in 1918, when more than 600 attendees lost their lives.
