The city's Chief Executive Orders Probe into Tragic Fire that Killed 151
Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an independent committee to examine the reasons of a devastating fire that killed at least 151 people.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
This past Wednesday, seven of eight apartment buildings at the estate—that was in the midst of major refurbishment—went up in flames. Authorities later discovered that construction site netting installed on the buildings fell short of requirements for fire resistance.
No fewer than 13 people have been detained on suspicion of suspected manslaughter, including the directors of a construction company.
"It is a terrible tragedy, the fire was immense. Changes are required. Failures have been detected in various phases. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these gaps are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The inferno—which spread quickly both vertically and across the separate towers—was only fully doused by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it ignited, and required more than 2,000 firefighters to subdue.
The same day, authorities started accessing the buildings to secure proof. The government indicates the inquiry could take approximately a month.
Systemic Failures Identified
Several residents have said they failed to hear a fire alarm when the fire broke out. Local firefighters found that alarms in all eight blocks were operating inadequately.
The city's construction authority has halted for now construction activities on numerous private sites.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
In a related development, police reportedly detained a individual on charges related to subversion on the weekend. He was part of a group calling for an independent inquiry into the blaze. An internet-based appeal gathered over 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its contents were wiped.
A pair of additional persons, including a past council member, were also detained by officers, per press accounts.
Global Response
The human rights organization and Human Rights Watch have both denounced the said apprehensions.
"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly and publicly probe the origins of the catastrophic blaze...rather than silencing those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group.
Historical Context and Demographics
Wang Fuk Court was built in the early 1980s and had provided 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 inhabitants, based on a population count.
Nearly 40% of its occupants are thought to be at least 65 years of age. Several have been occupants of the government-supported development since its construction.
The city's second-deadliest fire on in history claimed 176 people in 1948 and was caused by a detonation at street level at a multi-story storage facility. The most deadly was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when over 600 individuals perished.