The city's Chief Executive Directs Probe into Fatal Inferno that Killed 151
Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an separate inquiry panel to probe the origins of a catastrophic blaze that killed at least 151 individuals.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
Last Wednesday, most of the tower blocks at the housing complex—which had been undergoing significant upgrades—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that safety scaffolding mesh installed on the buildings failed to meet fire safety regulations.
No fewer than 13 suspects have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, among them the directors of a contractor.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Reform is necessary. Failures have been detected in multiple areas. Hence we must act seriously to make certain all these gaps are eliminated," stated the leader.
Investigation and Aftermath
The inferno—that propagated rapidly both upwards and from building to building—was only fully doused by the morning of Friday, some 40 hours after it started, and required in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to contain.
The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the investigation could last approximately a month.
Systemic Failures Identified
Several residents have stated they did not hear a fire alarm when the fire started. Local firefighters determined that detection devices in each building were not working effectively.
The relevant regulatory body has halted for now works on three dozen private developments.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
Additionally, police reportedly detained a young man on charges related to subversion on the weekend. He was among a group demanding an separate review into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal amassed over 10,000 signatures in a very short time before its contents were wiped.
A pair of additional persons, including a past council member, were also taken in by officers, as reported by press accounts.
International Reaction
The human rights organization and Human Rights Watch have both criticised the alleged detentions.
"This is the occasion for the local government to transparently investigate the origins of the catastrophic blaze...as opposed to silencing those who raise appropriate concerns," remarked the group.
Historical Context and Demographics
Wang Fuk Court was built in the early 1980s and had provided close to 2,000 units for approximately 4,600 occupants, per a population count.
Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are thought to be at least 65 years of age. Several have been occupants of the subsidised housing estate since its construction.
The city's second-worst blaze on record claimed 176 lives in 1948 and was the result of a detonation at street level at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at a local racetrack in 1918, when in excess of 600 people died.
