The city's Leader Orders Investigation into Tragic Blaze that Took 151
The city's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an independent committee to investigate the cause of a catastrophic blaze that killed at least 151 individuals.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
Last Wednesday, most of the apartment buildings at the estate—that was in the midst of significant upgrades—were engulfed by fire. Investigators have since found that construction site netting used around the buildings failed to meet flame retardant standards.
A minimum of 13 people have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, including the executives of a construction company.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Reform is necessary. Yes, we have identified failures in various phases. This is precisely the reason we must take decisive action to make certain all these deficiencies are plucked," stated the leader.
Investigation and Aftermath
The inferno—which spread quickly both upwards and between the blocks—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, around 40 hours after it started, and required more than 2,000 firefighters to contain.
The same day, authorities started accessing the buildings to collect forensic material. The government indicates the inquiry could last approximately a month.
Shortcomings Uncovered
Several residents have reported they did not hear a smoke detector when the blaze erupted. Local firefighters determined that warning systems in all eight blocks were malfunctioning.
The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended construction activities on three dozen private developments.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a young man on charges related to incitement on Saturday. He was among a gathering calling for an separate review into the tragedy. An online petition collected over 10,000 signatures in a very short time before its page was taken down.
Another two individuals, comprising a past council member, were also questioned by police, according to press accounts.
Global Response
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both condemned the reported arrests.
"The moment has come for the Hong Kong authorities to openly examine the causes of the catastrophic blaze...as opposed to silencing those who pose valid inquiries," stated the organization.
Background and Resident Profile
Wang Fuk Court was built in the early 1980s and had supplied 1,984 apartments for approximately 4,600 inhabitants, per a 2021 government census.
Almost four in ten of its occupants are thought to be over 65 years of age. Some have been occupants of the public housing complex from its inception.
Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on record took 176 people in 1948 and was triggered by a detonation at street level at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at a sporting venue in 1918, when more than 600 attendees died.
