Hong Kong Leader Orders Investigation into Tragic Fire that Took 151
The city's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an autonomous task force to investigate the cause of a catastrophic blaze that claimed the lives of 151 people.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
This past Wednesday, most of the apartment buildings at the estate—that was in the midst of major refurbishment—were engulfed by fire. A probe subsequently revealed that construction site netting installed on the buildings failed to meet flame retardant standards.
A minimum of 13 suspects have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, comprising the senior figures of a contractor.
"It is a terrible tragedy, the fire was immense. Changes are required. Yes, we have identified failures in multiple areas. Hence we must take decisive action to make certain all these deficiencies are addressed," remarked Mr. Lee.
Investigation and Aftermath
The blaze—that propagated rapidly both vertically and across the separate towers—was only fully doused by the morning of Friday, approximately two days after it started, and necessitated more than 2,000 emergency responders to contain.
The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to gather evidence. Officials state the probe could take approximately a month.
Systemic Failures Identified
Multiple inhabitants have reported they were not alerted by a fire alarm when the incident started. Local firefighters determined that warning systems in every tower were operating inadequately.
The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended renovation projects on three dozen private developments.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
In a related development, police reportedly detained a individual on suspicion of sedition on Saturday. He was part of a gathering demanding an independent inquiry into the fire. An internet-based appeal amassed more than 10,000 signatures in less than a day before its page was taken down.
Another two individuals, among them a ex-local representative, were also questioned by officers, according to local media reports.
Global Response
The human rights organization and The monitoring body have both condemned the reported arrests.
"The moment has come for the Hong Kong authorities to openly examine the origins of the tragic incident...rather than muzzling those who raise appropriate concerns," stated the organization.
Background and Resident Profile
Wang Fuk Court was completed in 1983 and had provided nearly two thousand flats for around 4,600 inhabitants, based on a population count.
Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are estimated to be over 65 years of age. Some have lived in the government-supported development since it was built.
Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on file took 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was the result of a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The worst was at a local racetrack in 1918, when more than 600 people perished.
