Hong Kong Chief Executive Directs Probe into Fatal Blaze that Took 151
The city's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an separate inquiry panel to probe the origins of a devastating fire that took a minimum of 151 individuals.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
On Wednesday last week, seven of eight residential blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—which was subject to major refurbishment—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that construction site netting installed on the buildings fell short of fire safety regulations.
At least 13 people have been arrested for potential negligent homicide, including the directors of a building firm.
"This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Reform is necessary. Yes, we have identified failures in various phases. Hence we must act seriously to make certain all these gaps are plucked," stated the leader.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The inferno—advancing with speed both upwards and from building to building—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, approximately two days after it ignited, and required over 2,000 firefighters to bring under control.
That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to secure proof. The government indicates the probe could take several weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
Several residents have said they were not alerted by a emergency siren when the fire broke out. Hong Kong's fire service determined that warning systems in all eight blocks were operating inadequately.
The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended renovation projects on 30 private projects.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
Separately, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on charges related to incitement on the weekend. He was among a gathering demanding an separate review into the fire. An digital signature drive gathered in excess of 10,000 signatures in less than a day before its page was taken down.
A pair of additional persons, including a past council member, were also detained by police, as reported by local media reports.
International Reaction
The human rights organization and Human Rights Watch have both condemned the reported arrests.
"Now is the time for the city's officials to openly examine the origins of the devastating fire...as opposed to suppressing those who raise appropriate concerns," Amnesty International said.
Background and Resident Profile
Wang Fuk Court was built in 1983 and had supplied 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 inhabitants, based on a population count.
Nearly 40% of its residents are thought to be over 65 years old. A number have lived in the government-supported development since it was built.
The city's second-most fatal incident on in history took 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was caused by a blast on the lower level at a multi-story storage facility. The most deadly was at a local racetrack in 1918, when more than 600 attendees perished.
