Hong Kong Chief Executive Orders Investigation into Fatal Fire that Killed 151
Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an autonomous task force to examine the reasons of a tragic inferno that claimed the lives of 151 people.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
On Wednesday last week, the majority of the residential blocks at the housing complex—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that construction site netting installed on the buildings did not comply with fire safety regulations.
At least 13 individuals have been detained on suspicion of alleged culpable homicide, including the senior figures of a contractor.
"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a big fire. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. That is exactly why we must take decisive action to guarantee all these loopholes are eliminated," stated the leader.
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 fire service personnel to bring under control.
The same day, authorities started accessing the buildings to secure proof. The government indicates the inquiry could last approximately a month.
Systemic Failures Identified
Several residents have stated they failed to hear a fire alarm when the fire started. The city's fire department determined that alarms in every tower were not working effectively.
The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended renovation projects on 30 private projects.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
Additionally, officers took into custody a individual on charges related to sedition on the weekend. He was involved with a collective demanding an separate review into the tragedy. An digital signature drive amassed over 10,000 supporters in a very short time before its page was taken down.
Another two individuals, among them a former district councillor, were also taken in by officers, per local media reports.
International Reaction
The rights group and Another watchdog have both denounced the said apprehensions.
"Now is the time for the local government to transparently investigate the origins of the catastrophic blaze...as opposed to suppressing those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group.
Historical Context and Demographics
Wang Fuk Court was built in 1983 and had supplied 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 inhabitants, per a recent official survey.
Nearly 40% of its residents are believed to be older than 65 years old. Several have been occupants of the public housing complex from its inception.
The city's second-most fatal incident on record took 176 people in 1948 and was the result of 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 lost their lives.