Hong Kong Leader Directs Investigation into Tragic Inferno that Took 151
Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an autonomous task force to probe the origins of a catastrophic blaze that killed at least 151 individuals.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
Last Wednesday, the majority of the residential blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—which had been undergoing significant upgrades—were consumed by a blaze. A probe subsequently revealed that construction site netting used around the buildings fell short of flame retardant standards.
A minimum of 13 suspects have been taken into custody over suspected manslaughter, comprising the senior figures of a contractor.
"Yes, it is a 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 fire—which spread quickly both vertically and from building to building—was finally put out by the end of the week, some 40 hours after it started, and necessitated over 2,000 fire service personnel to contain.
The same day, authorities started accessing the buildings to gather evidence. Authorities say the investigation could take three to four weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
A number of occupants have reported they were not alerted by a fire alarm when the fire broke out. Hong Kong's fire service determined that warning systems in every tower were operating inadequately.
Hong Kong's buildings department has temporarily suspended construction activities on 30 private projects.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
In a related development, police reportedly detained a 24-year-old man on allegations of sedition on Saturday. He was part of a group calling for an separate review into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal collected over 10,000 signatures in a very short time before its information was removed.
Two other people, comprising a former district councillor, were also questioned by police, according to news outlets.
Global Response
The rights group and Human Rights Watch have both condemned the reported arrests.
"Now is the time for the city's officials to thoroughly and publicly probe the reasons of the tragic incident...rather than silencing those who pose valid inquiries," stated the organization.
Background and Resident Profile
The housing estate was constructed in 1983 and had provided 1,984 apartments for approximately 4,600 occupants, based on a recent official survey.
Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are estimated to be older than 65 years of age. Some have resided in the government-supported development since it was built.
Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on file took 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a blast on the lower level at a multi-story storage facility. The deadliest was at a local racetrack in 1918, when more than 600 individuals perished.