Hong Kong Chief Executive Orders Investigation into Tragic Inferno that Took 151
The city's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an autonomous task force to probe the origins of a catastrophic blaze that took a minimum of 151 individuals.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
Last Wednesday, seven of eight tower blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—that was in the midst of significant upgrades—went up in flames. Authorities later discovered that protective netting installed on the buildings did not comply with fire safety regulations.
A minimum of 13 individuals have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, including the directors of a building firm.
"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a big fire. Changes are required. Yes, we have identified failures in various phases. That is exactly why we must take decisive action to ensure that all these gaps are eliminated," remarked Mr. Lee.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The blaze—that propagated rapidly both upwards and across the separate towers—was finally put out by the end of the week, some 40 hours after it ignited, and took in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to contain.
That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the inquiry could take approximately a month.
Shortcomings Uncovered
Several residents have reported they failed to hear a smoke detector when the fire broke out. Local firefighters found that detection devices in every tower were operating inadequately.
The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended construction activities on 30 private projects.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
Separately, police reportedly detained a individual on charges related to incitement on the weekend. He was involved with a gathering petitioning for an autonomous investigation into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal gathered over 10,000 supporters in a very short time before its contents were wiped.
A pair of additional persons, among them a former district councillor, were also detained by officers, per local media reports.
Global Response
The human rights organization and The monitoring body have both condemned the reported arrests.
"The moment has come for the Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly and publicly probe the reasons of the catastrophic blaze...instead of silencing those who ask legitimate questions," stated the organization.
Historical Context and Demographics
The housing estate was constructed in 1983 and had offered 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 residents, based on a population count.
Almost four in ten of its residents are believed to be older than 65 years old. Several have resided in the subsidised housing estate since its construction.
Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on record took 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was the result of a detonation at street level at a five-storey warehouse. The deadliest was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 attendees perished.
