The city's Chief Executive Directs Investigation into Tragic Fire that Took 151
The city's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an autonomous task force to examine the reasons of a catastrophic blaze that claimed the lives of 151 people.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
This past Wednesday, seven of eight apartment buildings at the housing complex—that was in the midst of major refurbishment—were consumed by a blaze. Authorities later discovered that construction site netting surrounding the buildings did not comply with fire safety regulations.
No fewer than 13 people have been arrested for potential negligent homicide, among them the senior figures of a building firm.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Reform is necessary. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. Hence we must respond rigorously to make certain all these gaps are addressed," remarked Mr. Lee.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The blaze—that propagated rapidly both vertically and between the blocks—was finally put out by the morning of Friday, some 40 hours after it started, and took more than 2,000 fire service personnel to bring under control.
That very day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to collect forensic material. Authorities say the investigation could last three to four weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
Multiple inhabitants have said they were not alerted by a fire alarm when the blaze erupted. Local firefighters determined that warning systems in every tower were operating inadequately.
Hong Kong's buildings department has put on hold renovation projects on 30 private projects.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
Separately, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on charges related to incitement on the weekend. He was involved with a gathering demanding an separate review into the tragedy. An online petition gathered more than 10,000 supporters in less than a day before its page was taken down.
Two other people, comprising a ex-local representative, were also questioned by police, per press accounts.
International Reaction
The rights group and Another watchdog have both criticised the reported arrests.
"The moment has come for the local government to transparently investigate the origins of the catastrophic blaze...instead of silencing those who ask legitimate questions," stated the organization.
Background and Resident Profile
Wang Fuk Court was completed in 1983 and had supplied close to 2,000 units for around 4,600 residents, according to a population count.
Almost four in ten of its occupants are believed to be over 65 years of age. A number have lived in the government-supported development since its construction.
The city's second-worst blaze on record claimed 176 individuals in 1948 and was triggered by a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The deadliest was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 individuals lost their lives.
