Hong Kong Chief Executive Orders Probe into Tragic Blaze that Took 151
Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an independent committee to examine the reasons of a catastrophic blaze that took a minimum of 151 people.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
Last Wednesday, the majority of the residential blocks at the estate—which had been undergoing significant upgrades—went up in flames. Authorities later discovered that safety scaffolding mesh used around the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards.
No fewer than 13 individuals have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, including the senior figures of a construction company.
"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. Hence we must act seriously to guarantee all these loopholes are eliminated," stated the leader.
Investigation and Aftermath
The fire—advancing with speed both upwards and across the separate towers—was only fully doused by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it began, and required in excess of 2,000 firefighters to contain.
On that day, police began entering the buildings to collect forensic material. The government indicates the probe could take several weeks.
Systemic Failures Identified
Multiple inhabitants have reported they did not hear a emergency siren when the incident started. Local firefighters discovered that detection devices in each building were malfunctioning.
The relevant regulatory body has put on hold construction activities on 30 private projects.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
In a related development, officers took into custody a individual on suspicion of subversion on the weekend. He was involved with a collective calling for an separate review into the blaze. An digital signature drive amassed over 10,000 endorsements in a very short time before its page was taken down.
Another two individuals, among them a former district councillor, were also detained by police, according to local media reports.
International Reaction
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both condemned the said apprehensions.
"This is the occasion for the local government to thoroughly and publicly probe the causes of the devastating fire...rather than silencing those who raise appropriate concerns," stated the organization.
Historical Context and Demographics
Wang Fuk Court was completed in the early 1980s and had offered close to 2,000 units for some 4,600 occupants, per a recent official survey.
Almost four in ten of its residents are thought to be at least 65 years old. Some have lived in the government-supported development from its inception.
Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on file took 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was caused by a detonation at street level at a multi-story storage facility. The most deadly was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 people lost their lives.
