The city's Chief Executive Orders Probe into Tragic Blaze that Took 151
The city's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an autonomous task force to investigate the cause of a catastrophic blaze that took a minimum of 151 individuals.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
This past Wednesday, the majority of the tower blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. Authorities later discovered that construction site netting surrounding the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards.
A minimum of 13 suspects have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, comprising the directors of a construction company.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. Failures have been detected in various phases. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these deficiencies are eliminated," remarked Mr. Lee.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The fire—advancing with speed both upwards and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by Friday morning, around 40 hours after it started, and took more than 2,000 fire service personnel to contain.
On that day, authorities started accessing the buildings to secure proof. The government indicates the probe could require several weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
Multiple inhabitants have reported they were not alerted by a fire alarm when the blaze erupted. Local firefighters discovered that warning systems in each building were malfunctioning.
The city's construction authority has temporarily suspended renovation projects on numerous private sites.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a 24-year-old man on allegations of sedition on Saturday. He was involved with a collective calling for an autonomous investigation into the fire. An internet-based appeal amassed over 10,000 signatures in a very short time before its contents were wiped.
Another two individuals, among them a former district councillor, were also detained by police, as reported by news outlets.
International Reaction
The human rights organization and The monitoring body have both denounced the alleged detentions.
"Now is the time for the local government to openly examine the origins of the catastrophic blaze...rather than silencing those who pose valid inquiries," stated the organization.
Background and Resident Profile
The residential complex was completed in 1983 and had offered close to 2,000 units for approximately 4,600 occupants, according to a recent official survey.
Almost four in ten of its residents are believed to be older than 65 years old. A number have resided in the public housing complex since its construction.
Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on file claimed 176 people in the mid-20th century and was caused by a detonation at street level at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when over 600 attendees died.
