Hong Kong Leader Directs Probe into Deadly Inferno that Took 151
The city's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an separate inquiry panel to probe the origins of a devastating fire that killed at least 151 people.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
On Wednesday last week, seven of eight apartment buildings at the estate—which had been undergoing major refurbishment—were engulfed by fire. Investigators have since found that safety scaffolding mesh surrounding the buildings failed to meet fire safety regulations.
At least 13 people have been taken into custody over alleged culpable homicide, among them the directors of a building firm.
"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a big fire. Changes are required. Yes, we have identified failures in various phases. Hence we must take decisive action to make certain all these loopholes are addressed," he said.
Investigation and Aftermath
The inferno—which spread quickly both vertically and between the blocks—was finally put out by Friday morning, approximately two days after it began, and required more than 2,000 fire service personnel to contain.
The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. The government indicates the probe could take approximately a month.
Shortcomings Uncovered
A number of occupants have reported they failed to hear a emergency siren when the blaze erupted. The city's fire department found that warning systems in each building were malfunctioning.
The relevant regulatory body has put on hold construction activities on 30 private projects.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
In a related development, police reportedly detained a individual on allegations of sedition on Saturday. He was part of a collective petitioning for an separate review into the fire. An internet-based appeal amassed in excess of 10,000 endorsements in a very short time before its information was removed.
A pair of additional persons, among them a past council member, were also questioned by officers, according to press accounts.
International Reaction
The rights group and Another watchdog have both criticised the alleged detentions.
"Now is the time for the local government to transparently investigate the causes of the tragic incident...rather than muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," stated the organization.
Background and Resident Profile
Wang Fuk Court was completed in 1983 and had supplied 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 inhabitants, according to a 2021 government census.
Almost four in ten of its occupants are estimated to be older than 65 years of age. Several have lived in the government-supported development from its inception.
The city's second-most fatal incident on in history killed 176 people in 1948 and was the result of a ground-floor explosion at a commercial building. The deadliest was at a local racetrack in 1918, when in excess of 600 attendees lost their lives.
