The city's Chief Executive Orders Investigation into Tragic Inferno that Took 151
The city's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an independent committee to probe the origins of a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 151 individuals.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
On Wednesday last week, seven of eight residential blocks at the estate—which had been undergoing significant upgrades—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that protective netting surrounding the buildings failed to meet requirements for fire resistance.
A minimum of 13 suspects have been taken into custody over alleged culpable homicide, including the senior figures of a construction company.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, the fire was immense. Reform is necessary. Yes, we have identified failures in various phases. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to make certain all these loopholes are addressed," he said.
Investigation and Aftermath
The blaze—which spread quickly both vertically and between the blocks—was only fully doused by the end of the week, around 40 hours after it began, and required over 2,000 emergency responders to bring under control.
The same day, police began entering the buildings to gather evidence. Officials state the inquiry could require several weeks.
Systemic Failures Identified
A number of occupants have reported they did not hear a smoke detector when the blaze broke out. Hong Kong's fire service found that warning systems in all eight blocks were malfunctioning.
Hong Kong's buildings department has halted for now renovation projects on numerous private sites.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
Additionally, police reportedly detained a individual on suspicion of sedition on Saturday. He was among a group demanding an independent inquiry into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal gathered more than 10,000 endorsements in under 24 hours before its page was taken down.
Another two individuals, comprising a ex-local representative, were also taken in by officers, as reported by press accounts.
International Reaction
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both condemned the reported arrests.
"The moment has come for the local government to openly examine the origins of the tragic incident...as opposed to suppressing those who raise appropriate concerns," remarked the group.
Background and Resident Profile
Wang Fuk Court was constructed in the early 1980s and had supplied 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 inhabitants, according to a recent official survey.
Almost four in ten of its residents are thought to be over 65 years old. A number have lived in the subsidised housing estate from its inception.
The city's second-worst blaze on in history claimed 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was caused by a detonation at street level at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when more than 600 individuals died.
