Hong Kong Leader Directs Probe into Fatal Fire that Took 151
Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an autonomous task force to investigate the cause of a catastrophic blaze that claimed the lives of 151 individuals.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
This past Wednesday, seven of eight tower blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—which had been undergoing extensive renovations—were engulfed by fire. A probe subsequently revealed that protective netting used around the buildings fell short of flame retardant standards.
No fewer than 13 suspects have been taken into custody over suspected manslaughter, among them the senior figures of a contractor.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a big fire. Changes are required. Failures have been detected in various phases. Hence we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these deficiencies are eliminated," stated the leader.
Investigation and Aftermath
The inferno—advancing with speed both vertically and across the separate towers—was only fully doused by the end of the week, approximately two days after it began, and required more than 2,000 firefighters to contain.
On that day, police began entering the buildings to secure proof. Officials state the probe could require three to four weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
Multiple inhabitants have stated they failed to hear a fire alarm when the blaze erupted. The city's fire department found that alarms in each building were operating inadequately.
The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended construction activities on three dozen private developments.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
In a related development, officers took into custody a young man on allegations of sedition on Saturday. He was among a group petitioning for an autonomous investigation into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal gathered more than 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its contents were wiped.
Another two individuals, comprising a former district councillor, were also detained by authorities, as reported by local media reports.
Global Response
The human rights organization and Human Rights Watch have both criticised the said apprehensions.
"Now is the time for the city's officials to thoroughly and publicly probe the causes of the devastating fire...rather than silencing those who raise appropriate concerns," Amnesty International said.
Background and Resident Profile
The housing estate was constructed in 1983 and had offered close to 2,000 units for approximately 4,600 occupants, according to a recent official survey.
Almost four in ten of its occupants are thought to be over 65 years of age. Several have resided in the subsidised housing estate from its inception.
The city's second-deadliest fire on in history killed 176 people in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a detonation at street level at a multi-story storage facility. The most deadly was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 people lost their lives.
