Hong Kong Leader Directs Investigation into Fatal Fire that Took 151
The city's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an independent committee to examine the reasons of a catastrophic blaze that claimed the lives of 151 individuals.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
On Wednesday last week, seven of eight tower blocks at the housing complex—that was in the midst of major refurbishment—went up in flames. Investigators have since found that construction site netting used around the buildings did not comply with requirements for fire resistance.
At least 13 people have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, comprising the senior figures of a contractor.
"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a big fire. Reform is necessary. We have uncovered shortcomings in various phases. That is exactly why we must act seriously to make certain all these deficiencies are addressed," he said.
Investigation and Aftermath
The blaze—advancing with speed both upwards and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by the end of the week, approximately two days after it began, and necessitated in excess of 2,000 fire service personnel to contain.
On that day, authorities started accessing the buildings to collect forensic material. Authorities say the probe could last several weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
Several residents have said they failed to hear a emergency siren when the incident erupted. Local firefighters determined that alarms in each building were malfunctioning.
The relevant regulatory body has put on hold construction activities on numerous private sites.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
Separately, officers took into custody a individual on charges related to incitement on the weekend. He was part of a collective demanding an separate review into the fire. An internet-based appeal collected in excess of 10,000 endorsements in less than a day before its page was taken down.
A pair of additional persons, comprising a ex-local representative, were also detained by authorities, per news outlets.
Global Response
The human rights organization and Another watchdog have both criticised the said apprehensions.
"Now is the time for the city's officials to transparently investigate the origins of the devastating fire...as opposed to suppressing those who raise appropriate concerns," stated the organization.
Background and Resident Profile
Wang Fuk Court was completed in the early 1980s and had offered 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 residents, according to a 2021 government census.
Approximately 40 percent of its inhabitants are believed to be older than 65 years old. A number have resided in the public housing complex from its inception.
The city's second-worst blaze on in history claimed 176 lives in 1948 and was the result of a ground-floor explosion at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at a local racetrack in 1918, when in excess of 600 attendees lost their lives.
