The city's Chief Executive Directs Probe into Deadly Fire that Claimed Lives of 151
The city's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an separate inquiry panel to investigate the cause of a tragic inferno that took a minimum of 151 residents.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
Last Wednesday, most of the apartment buildings at the Wang Fuk Court—which was subject to extensive renovations—were engulfed by fire. Investigators have since found that construction site netting installed on the buildings failed to meet fire safety regulations.
A minimum of 13 people have been detained on suspicion of suspected manslaughter, among them the senior figures of a construction company.
"It is a terrible tragedy, the fire was immense. Reform is necessary. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. Hence we must act seriously to ensure that all these gaps are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.
Investigation and Aftermath
The fire—advancing with speed both vertically and from building to building—was only fully doused by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it ignited, and required in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to bring under control.
The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to collect forensic material. Authorities say the inquiry could require approximately a month.
Systemic Failures Identified
A number of occupants have said they failed to hear a fire alarm when the blaze started. Hong Kong's fire service determined that warning systems in every tower were operating inadequately.
Hong Kong's buildings department has halted for now construction activities on three dozen private developments.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
Separately, officers took into custody a individual on suspicion of subversion on the weekend. He was part of a gathering calling for an separate review into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal amassed more than 10,000 endorsements in less than a day before its contents were wiped.
A pair of additional persons, among them a ex-local representative, were also questioned by authorities, according to news outlets.
International Reaction
Amnesty International and Another watchdog have both denounced the said apprehensions.
"The moment has come for the city's officials to thoroughly and publicly probe the origins of the devastating fire...as opposed to silencing those who raise appropriate concerns," stated the organization.
Background and Resident Profile
The housing estate was completed in the early 1980s and had provided close to 2,000 units for some 4,600 occupants, based on a 2021 government census.
Nearly 40% of its inhabitants are estimated to be at least 65 years old. A number have been occupants of the public housing complex from its inception.
The city's second-deadliest fire on file killed 176 individuals in 1948 and was caused by a ground-floor explosion at a five-storey warehouse. The most deadly was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when more than 600 attendees lost their lives.
