Hong Kong Leader Directs Probe into Tragic Blaze that Took 151
Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an autonomous task force to probe the origins of a tragic inferno that took a minimum of 151 people.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
On Wednesday last week, most of the apartment buildings at the Wang Fuk Court—that was in the midst of major refurbishment—went up in flames. Investigators have since found that safety scaffolding mesh used around the buildings failed to meet flame retardant standards.
No fewer than 13 suspects have been detained on suspicion of alleged culpable homicide, including the executives of a construction company.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a big fire. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these loopholes are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.
Investigation and Aftermath
The inferno—which spread quickly both upwards and across the separate towers—was finally put out by Friday morning, approximately two days after it ignited, and necessitated in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to contain.
On that day, authorities started accessing the buildings to gather evidence. The government indicates the investigation could take approximately a month.
Shortcomings Uncovered
Multiple inhabitants have reported they were not alerted by a fire alarm when the fire broke out. Local firefighters discovered 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
In a related development, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on charges related to subversion on Saturday. He was among a collective demanding an separate review into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal gathered over 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its contents were wiped.
Another two individuals, among them a former district councillor, were also questioned by police, per news outlets.
Global Response
Amnesty International and The monitoring body have both criticised the reported arrests.
"This is the occasion for the city's officials to thoroughly and publicly probe the origins of the catastrophic blaze...instead of muzzling those who pose valid inquiries," Amnesty International said.
Background and Resident Profile
Wang Fuk Court was constructed in the early 1980s and had supplied close to 2,000 units for some 4,600 residents, according to a 2021 government census.
Almost four in ten of its residents are estimated to be at least 65 years old. Several have lived in the government-supported development since its construction.
Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on file took 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was caused by a ground-floor explosion at a commercial building. The most deadly was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when more than 600 individuals lost their lives.
