The city's Chief Executive Directs Probe into Tragic Blaze that Took 151
The city's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an autonomous task force to investigate the cause of a devastating fire that took a minimum of 151 individuals.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
On Wednesday last week, the majority of the residential blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—which had been undergoing extensive renovations—went up in flames. A probe subsequently revealed that construction site netting surrounding the buildings did not comply with fire safety regulations.
A minimum of 13 individuals have been arrested for potential negligent homicide, including the executives of a contractor.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, the fire was immense. Changes are required. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these gaps are addressed," he said.
Investigation and Aftermath
The fire—that propagated rapidly both vertically and from building to building—was not completely extinguished by the end of the week, approximately two days after it started, and took in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to subdue.
On that day, authorities started accessing the buildings to gather evidence. Officials state the investigation could last several weeks.
Systemic Failures Identified
Several residents have said they failed to hear a emergency siren when the blaze broke out. The city's fire department found that alarms in all eight blocks were malfunctioning.
The city's construction authority has halted for now construction activities on three dozen private developments.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
Separately, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on suspicion of sedition on the weekend. He was involved with a gathering calling for an independent inquiry into the fire. An online petition amassed over 10,000 supporters in less than a day before its page was taken down.
Another two individuals, comprising a former district councillor, were also detained by authorities, as reported by local media reports.
Global Response
The human rights organization and Human Rights Watch have both denounced the said apprehensions.
"This is the occasion for the local government to openly examine the origins of the devastating fire...rather than silencing those who pose valid inquiries," stated the organization.
Historical Context and Demographics
Wang Fuk Court was built in 1983 and had provided 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 occupants, per a population count.
Nearly 40% of its residents are thought to be over 65 years old. Several have lived in the public housing complex from its inception.
Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on record took 176 people in the mid-20th century and was caused by a detonation at street level at a multi-story storage facility. The deadliest was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when more than 600 people perished.
