Hong Kong Leader Directs Probe into Tragic Fire that Took 151
The city's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an independent committee to probe the origins of a devastating fire that took a minimum of 151 people.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
Last Wednesday, most of the residential blocks at the housing complex—that was in the midst of major refurbishment—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that construction site netting used around the buildings fell short of requirements for fire resistance.
No fewer than 13 people have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, comprising the senior figures of a construction company.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a big fire. Changes are required. Failures have been detected in various phases. This is precisely the reason we must respond rigorously to guarantee all these gaps are plucked," stated the leader.
Investigation and Aftermath
The inferno—advancing with speed both vertically and from building to building—was only fully doused by the morning of Friday, some 40 hours after it ignited, and required over 2,000 firefighters to bring under control.
The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to collect forensic material. The government indicates the inquiry could require several weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
A number of occupants have stated they did not hear a emergency siren when the incident started. Hong Kong's fire service found that detection devices in every tower were operating inadequately.
Hong Kong's buildings department has temporarily suspended works on numerous private sites.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
Separately, police reportedly detained a 24-year-old man on charges related to sedition on the weekend. He was among a collective calling for an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An online petition amassed over 10,000 signatures in less than a day before its information was removed.
A pair of additional persons, among them a past council member, were also questioned by authorities, as reported by local media reports.
International Reaction
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both condemned the said apprehensions.
"Now is the time for the local government to transparently investigate the reasons of the catastrophic blaze...as opposed to muzzling those who raise appropriate concerns," Amnesty International said.
Background and Resident Profile
Wang Fuk Court was built in the early 1980s and had provided 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 inhabitants, based on a recent official survey.
Almost four in ten of its occupants are estimated to be at least 65 years old. Some have lived in the public housing complex since it was built.
The city's second-deadliest fire on file killed 176 people in 1948 and was the result of a blast on the lower level at a multi-story storage facility. The most deadly was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 individuals lost their lives.
