The city's Leader Orders Investigation into Deadly Blaze that Took 151
The city's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an autonomous task force to investigate the cause of a catastrophic blaze that killed at least 151 individuals.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
Last Wednesday, the majority of the apartment buildings at the housing complex—which was subject to extensive renovations—were engulfed by fire. A probe subsequently revealed that safety scaffolding mesh used around the buildings failed to meet requirements for fire resistance.
At least 13 suspects have been arrested for alleged culpable homicide, among them the executives of a building firm.
"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a big fire. Changes are required. We have uncovered shortcomings in multiple areas. Hence we must respond rigorously to guarantee all these gaps are eliminated," stated the leader.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The fire—that propagated rapidly both upwards and across the separate towers—was only fully doused by the morning of Friday, approximately two days after it began, and took more than 2,000 fire service personnel to bring under control.
On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to gather evidence. Officials state the investigation could require three to four weeks.
Systemic Failures Identified
Multiple inhabitants have reported they failed to hear a emergency siren when the fire erupted. The city's fire department found that alarms in each building were operating inadequately.
Hong Kong's buildings department has halted for now renovation projects on three dozen private developments.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
Additionally, police reportedly detained a individual on allegations of sedition on the weekend. He was involved with a collective petitioning for an autonomous investigation into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal amassed over 10,000 endorsements in less than a day before its page was taken down.
Two other people, including a ex-local representative, were also taken in by police, according to news outlets.
Global Response
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both criticised the reported arrests.
"This is the occasion for the Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly and publicly probe the origins of the tragic incident...as opposed to suppressing those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group.
Background and Resident Profile
Wang Fuk Court was built in the early 1980s and had provided nearly two thousand flats for some 4,600 inhabitants, per a population count.
Approximately 40 percent of its occupants are believed to be at least 65 years of age. Some have lived in the subsidised housing estate since it was built.
The city's second-deadliest fire on record claimed 176 individuals 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 the early 1900s, when more than 600 attendees died.
