Hong Kong Leader Directs Probe into Deadly Blaze that Took 151
The city's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an autonomous task force to examine the reasons of a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 151 people.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
On Wednesday last week, the majority of the apartment buildings at the Wang Fuk Court—that was in the midst of major refurbishment—went up in flames. Investigators have since found that construction site netting installed on the buildings fell short of flame retardant standards.
A minimum of 13 individuals have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, among them the directors of a building firm.
"This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Reform is necessary. Yes, we have identified failures in multiple areas. Hence we must take decisive action to guarantee all these gaps are addressed," stated the leader.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The blaze—advancing with speed both vertically and from building to building—was only fully doused by the end of the week, approximately two days after it began, and necessitated more than 2,000 firefighters to bring under control.
That very day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. The government indicates the probe could take approximately a month.
Systemic Failures Identified
Multiple inhabitants have reported they did not hear a emergency siren when the fire started. The city's fire department discovered that warning systems in every tower were not working effectively.
The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended renovation projects on three dozen private developments.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
Separately, police reportedly detained a young man on allegations of incitement on Saturday. He was involved with a collective calling for an separate review into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal amassed over 10,000 endorsements in less than a day before its page was taken down.
Another two individuals, among them a ex-local representative, were also detained by authorities, according to press accounts.
Global Response
The rights group and Another watchdog have both condemned the said apprehensions.
"This is the occasion for the Hong Kong authorities to transparently investigate the causes of the devastating fire...rather than muzzling those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group.
Background and Resident Profile
Wang Fuk Court was built in the early 1980s and had supplied 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 inhabitants, per a recent official survey.
Nearly 40% of its residents are thought to be at least 65 years old. A number have lived in the public housing complex since its construction.
The city's second-deadliest fire on in history claimed 176 lives in 1948 and was triggered by a detonation at street level at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when in excess of 600 people perished.
