Hong Kong Leader Orders Investigation into Fatal Fire that Took 151
The city's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an independent committee to investigate the cause of a tragic inferno that claimed the lives of 151 people.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
Last Wednesday, the majority of the apartment buildings at the housing complex—that was in the midst of major refurbishment—went up in flames. Investigators have since found that safety scaffolding mesh installed on the buildings fell short of fire safety regulations.
A minimum of 13 people have been taken into custody over suspected manslaughter, comprising the directors of a contractor.
"This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. Hence we must respond rigorously to make certain all these deficiencies are eliminated," he said.
Investigation and Aftermath
The inferno—which spread quickly both vertically and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, around 40 hours after it ignited, and required over 2,000 firefighters to bring under control.
The same day, authorities started accessing the buildings to collect forensic material. Officials state the probe could last approximately a month.
Shortcomings Uncovered
A number of occupants have reported they did not hear a fire alarm when the incident broke out. The city's fire department determined that alarms in every tower were not working effectively.
The city's construction authority has temporarily suspended works on numerous private sites.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
In a related development, authorities are said to have arrested a 24-year-old man on charges related to incitement on the weekend. He was involved with a gathering calling for an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An online petition gathered more than 10,000 supporters in less than a day before its information was removed.
Two other people, among them a former district councillor, were also taken in by authorities, per local media reports.
Global Response
Amnesty International and The monitoring body have both criticised the reported arrests.
"The moment has come for the local government to openly examine the reasons of the devastating fire...as opposed to silencing those who raise appropriate concerns," Amnesty International said.
Background and Resident Profile
Wang Fuk Court was built in the early 1980s and had offered nearly two thousand flats for some 4,600 inhabitants, based on a 2021 government census.
Nearly 40% of its occupants are estimated to be at least 65 years old. A number have been occupants of the government-supported development since it was built.
Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on in history took 176 people in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a ground-floor explosion at a commercial building. The most deadly was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when more than 600 individuals perished.
