The city's Chief Executive Orders Probe into Tragic Blaze that Killed 151
The city's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an autonomous task force to examine the reasons of a catastrophic blaze that killed at least 151 residents.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
On Wednesday last week, the majority of the tower blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—that was in the midst of significant upgrades—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that protective netting surrounding the buildings failed to meet flame retardant standards.
No fewer than 13 people have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, comprising the directors of a building firm.
"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Reform is necessary. Failures have been detected in various phases. That is exactly why we must act seriously to ensure that all these gaps are eliminated," stated the leader.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The blaze—that propagated rapidly both upwards and between the blocks—was not completely extinguished by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it started, and necessitated in excess of 2,000 firefighters to subdue.
On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to gather evidence. The government indicates the probe could take several weeks.
Systemic Failures Identified
A number of occupants have reported they failed to hear a fire alarm when the fire started. Hong Kong's fire service found that detection devices in each building were not working effectively.
Hong Kong's buildings department has temporarily suspended construction activities on numerous private sites.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
Additionally, police reportedly detained a individual on charges related to sedition on the weekend. He was among a collective petitioning for an independent inquiry into the blaze. An online petition gathered over 10,000 endorsements in under 24 hours before its information was removed.
Two other people, comprising a ex-local representative, were also detained by officers, per news outlets.
Global Response
Amnesty International and Another watchdog have both criticised the said apprehensions.
"The moment has come for the Hong Kong authorities to openly examine the origins of the devastating fire...rather than muzzling those who raise appropriate concerns," Amnesty International said.
Historical Context and Demographics
Wang Fuk Court was built in 1983 and had offered close to 2,000 units for around 4,600 residents, per a 2021 government census.
Nearly 40% of its residents are thought to be at least 65 years old. Some have resided in the public housing complex since its construction.
Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on record killed 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was the result of a ground-floor explosion at a five-storey warehouse. The deadliest was at a sporting venue in 1918, when in excess of 600 individuals lost their lives.
