Hong Kong Chief Executive Directs Probe into Deadly Blaze that Took 151
Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an autonomous task force to investigate the cause of a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 151 individuals.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
Last Wednesday, seven of eight residential blocks at the estate—that was in the midst of significant upgrades—went up in flames. Investigators have since found that safety scaffolding mesh installed on the buildings failed to meet fire safety regulations.
A minimum of 13 suspects have been detained on suspicion of alleged culpable homicide, comprising the directors of a building firm.
"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Changes are required. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to guarantee all these gaps are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.
Investigation and Aftermath
The fire—which spread quickly both vertically and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, some 40 hours after it ignited, and took in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to subdue.
The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to collect forensic material. Officials state the inquiry could take several weeks.
Systemic Failures Identified
Several residents have said they were not alerted by a fire alarm when the fire started. The city's fire department discovered that detection devices in all eight blocks were not working effectively.
The city's construction authority has halted for now renovation projects on 30 private projects.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
Additionally, police reportedly detained a 24-year-old man on suspicion of sedition on the weekend. He was involved with a collective demanding an independent inquiry into the tragedy. An online petition collected over 10,000 endorsements in under 24 hours before its information was removed.
Another two individuals, comprising a former district councillor, were also taken in by officers, according to news outlets.
Global Response
The rights group and Another watchdog have both condemned the alleged detentions.
"Now is the time for the city's officials to openly examine the causes of the tragic incident...rather than suppressing those who raise appropriate concerns," Amnesty International said.
Background and Resident Profile
Wang Fuk Court was constructed in 1983 and had offered close to 2,000 units for around 4,600 inhabitants, per a population count.
Approximately 40 percent of its occupants are estimated to be at least 65 years old. Several have lived in the government-supported development from its inception.
The city's second-deadliest fire on record took 176 lives in 1948 and was triggered by a detonation at street level at a five-storey warehouse. The most deadly was at a local racetrack in 1918, when more than 600 attendees perished.
