Hong Kong Leader Directs Probe into Deadly Inferno that Took 151
Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an independent committee to investigate the cause of a catastrophic blaze that claimed the lives of 151 residents.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
This past Wednesday, seven of eight apartment buildings at the Wang Fuk Court—which had been undergoing major refurbishment—went up in flames. A probe subsequently revealed that safety scaffolding mesh surrounding the buildings fell short of requirements for fire resistance.
A minimum of 13 suspects have been arrested for alleged culpable homicide, comprising the executives of a building firm.
"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Changes are required. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. That is exactly why we must take decisive action to make certain all these deficiencies are eliminated," remarked Mr. Lee.
Investigation and Aftermath
The blaze—that propagated rapidly both upwards and between the blocks—was finally put out by the morning of Friday, some 40 hours after it ignited, and necessitated over 2,000 fire service personnel to subdue.
On that day, police began entering the buildings to collect forensic material. Officials state the probe could require several weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
Several residents have stated they were not alerted by a smoke detector when the blaze erupted. The city's fire department discovered that detection devices in every tower were operating inadequately.
Hong Kong's buildings department has put on hold construction activities on numerous private sites.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
Additionally, police reportedly detained a young man on charges related to sedition on the weekend. He was involved with a gathering demanding an separate review into the fire. An internet-based appeal gathered over 10,000 signatures in a very short time before its contents were wiped.
Two other people, comprising a former district councillor, were also detained by authorities, as reported by local media reports.
International Reaction
The human rights organization and The monitoring body have both condemned the said apprehensions.
"The moment has come for the local government to transparently investigate the causes of the devastating fire...as opposed to silencing those who raise appropriate concerns," stated the organization.
Historical Context and Demographics
The residential complex was constructed in 1983 and had supplied 1,984 apartments for approximately 4,600 inhabitants, based on a recent official survey.
Almost four in ten of its residents are believed to be over 65 years old. Some have resided in the government-supported development since its construction.
Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on file took 176 individuals in 1948 and was the result of a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The worst was at a sporting venue in 1918, when over 600 people lost their lives.
