The city's Chief Executive Directs Probe into Deadly Fire that Took 151
Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an autonomous task force to examine the reasons of a tragic inferno that took a minimum of 151 residents.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
Last Wednesday, the majority of the apartment buildings at the Wang Fuk Court—which was subject to major refurbishment—went up in flames. Authorities later discovered that protective netting installed on the buildings fell short of fire safety regulations.
A minimum of 13 individuals have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, including the senior figures of a contractor.
"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a big fire. Yes, we need reform. Yes, we have identified failures in different stages. Hence we must act seriously to guarantee all these deficiencies are addressed," stated the leader.
Investigation and Aftermath
The inferno—advancing with speed both vertically and from building to building—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, around 40 hours after it ignited, and took more than 2,000 emergency responders to contain.
On that day, authorities started accessing the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the investigation could last three to four weeks.
Systemic Failures Identified
Several residents have stated they were not alerted by a fire alarm when the blaze broke out. The city's fire department discovered that warning systems in each building were operating inadequately.
Hong Kong's buildings department has halted for now construction activities on numerous private sites.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
Separately, officers took into custody a 24-year-old man on suspicion of sedition on the weekend. He was part of a collective demanding an independent inquiry into the fire. An internet-based appeal gathered over 10,000 supporters in less than a day before its information was removed.
Two other people, comprising a former district councillor, were also detained by police, per press accounts.
International Reaction
Amnesty International and The monitoring body have both denounced the reported arrests.
"This is the occasion for the Hong Kong authorities to transparently investigate the causes of the catastrophic blaze...as opposed to suppressing those who raise appropriate concerns," remarked the group.
Background and Resident Profile
The housing estate was completed in 1983 and had provided 1,984 apartments for approximately 4,600 residents, per a recent official survey.
Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are thought to be at least 65 years of age. Some have been occupants of the subsidised housing estate since its construction.
The city's second-worst blaze on file claimed 176 people in the mid-20th century and was caused by a blast on the lower level at a five-storey warehouse. The most deadly was at a local racetrack in 1918, when more than 600 attendees died.
