The city's Leader Orders Probe into Deadly Fire that Killed 151
The city's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an separate inquiry panel to examine the reasons of a tragic inferno that took a minimum of 151 people.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
This past Wednesday, most of the residential blocks at the housing complex—that was in the midst of major refurbishment—were engulfed by fire. Investigators have since found that protective netting used around the buildings failed to meet fire safety regulations.
No fewer than 13 individuals have been detained on suspicion of alleged culpable homicide, among them the senior figures of a building firm.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, the fire was immense. Changes are required. We have uncovered shortcomings in multiple areas. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to make certain all these deficiencies are plucked," he said.
Investigation and Aftermath
The inferno—advancing with speed both upwards and across the separate towers—was only fully doused by Friday morning, around 40 hours after it ignited, and necessitated more than 2,000 firefighters to contain.
That very day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to collect forensic material. The government indicates the probe could take three to four weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
Several residents have stated they were not alerted by a fire alarm when the blaze started. The city's fire department determined that alarms in every tower were malfunctioning.
Hong Kong's buildings department has halted for now renovation projects on numerous private sites.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on suspicion of incitement on Saturday. He was part of a gathering demanding an independent inquiry into the blaze. An online petition collected in excess of 10,000 signatures in less than a day before its contents were wiped.
A pair of additional persons, among them a former district councillor, were also taken in by authorities, according to local media reports.
Global Response
The rights group and Another watchdog have both criticised the said apprehensions.
"This is the occasion for the local government to openly examine the reasons of the devastating fire...as opposed to muzzling those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group.
Background and Resident Profile
Wang Fuk Court was constructed in 1983 and had provided nearly two thousand flats for around 4,600 residents, according to a 2021 government census.
Almost four in ten of its occupants are estimated to be over 65 years old. A number have resided in the government-supported development since it was built.
Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on file took 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was caused by a detonation at street level at a five-storey warehouse. The most deadly was at a sporting venue in 1918, when in excess of 600 people died.
