The city's Chief Executive Directs Probe into Fatal Fire that Took 151
Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an autonomous task force to investigate the cause of a tragic inferno that claimed the lives of 151 people.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
This past Wednesday, most of the apartment buildings at the Wang Fuk Court—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—were engulfed by fire. Investigators have since found that protective netting surrounding the buildings fell short of flame retardant standards.
No fewer than 13 individuals have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, comprising the directors of a building firm.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, the fire was immense. Reform is necessary. Yes, we have identified failures in various phases. That is exactly why we must take decisive action to ensure that all these deficiencies are addressed," stated the leader.
Investigation and Aftermath
The blaze—advancing with speed both vertically and across the separate towers—was finally put out by the morning of Friday, approximately two days after it began, and took over 2,000 firefighters to contain.
That very day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to gather evidence. Authorities say the investigation could take several weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
A number of occupants have stated they did not hear a fire alarm when the incident erupted. The city's fire department found that detection devices in each building were operating inadequately.
Hong Kong's buildings department has put on hold construction activities on 30 private projects.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a 24-year-old man on charges related to incitement on Saturday. He was among a group demanding an separate review into the blaze. An internet-based appeal gathered over 10,000 signatures in a very short time before its information was removed.
A pair of additional persons, including a past council member, were also questioned by police, per local media reports.
Global Response
The rights group and Human Rights Watch have both criticised the said apprehensions.
"This is the occasion for the Hong Kong authorities to openly examine the reasons of the devastating fire...as opposed to muzzling those who pose valid inquiries," stated the organization.
Background and Resident Profile
The residential complex was built in the early 1980s and had offered close to 2,000 units for around 4,600 residents, based on a population count.
Almost four in ten of its occupants are estimated to be older than 65 years of age. Several have resided in the government-supported development since it was built.
The city's second-deadliest fire on record took 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was the result of a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The deadliest was at a sporting venue in 1918, when over 600 attendees lost their lives.
