The city's Chief Executive Orders Probe into Tragic Inferno that Killed 151
The city's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an separate inquiry panel to investigate the cause of a tragic inferno that killed at least 151 residents.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
This past Wednesday, seven of eight tower blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—which had been undergoing extensive renovations—went up in flames. Authorities later discovered that protective netting surrounding the buildings fell short of flame retardant standards.
A minimum of 13 individuals have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, comprising the directors of a contractor.
"It is a terrible tragedy, the fire was immense. Changes are required. Failures have been detected in various phases. Hence we must take decisive action to ensure that all these deficiencies are eliminated," he said.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The fire—which spread quickly both upwards and between the blocks—was finally put out by Friday morning, approximately two days after it ignited, and required more than 2,000 emergency responders to subdue.
On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. Officials state the inquiry could require approximately a month.
Shortcomings Uncovered
A number of occupants have stated they did not hear a emergency siren when the fire erupted. The city's fire department discovered that alarms in all eight blocks were not working effectively.
The relevant regulatory body has put on hold works on three dozen private developments.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
Separately, officers took into custody a individual on suspicion of incitement on the weekend. He was among a group petitioning for an independent inquiry into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal gathered in excess of 10,000 supporters in a very short time before its contents were wiped.
A pair of additional persons, comprising a former district councillor, were also detained by officers, as reported by local media reports.
Global Response
Amnesty International and The monitoring body have both condemned the alleged detentions.
"This is the occasion for the Hong Kong authorities to transparently investigate the reasons of the tragic incident...rather than muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," Amnesty International said.
Historical Context and Demographics
The residential complex was constructed in the early 1980s and had supplied 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 inhabitants, according to a recent official survey.
Nearly 40% of its residents are estimated to be older than 65 years of age. Some have lived in the subsidised housing estate since it was built.
Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on record claimed 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a blast on the lower level at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at a local racetrack in 1918, when in excess of 600 attendees lost their lives.
