The city's Chief Executive Orders Investigation into Tragic Fire that Claimed Lives of 151
Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an separate inquiry panel to investigate the cause of a catastrophic blaze that claimed the lives of 151 residents.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
On Wednesday last week, the majority of the residential blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—which was subject to extensive renovations—were engulfed by fire. Investigators have since found that protective netting surrounding the buildings fell short of fire safety regulations.
At least 13 suspects have been arrested for alleged culpable homicide, among them the directors of a contractor.
"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Changes are required. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. That is exactly why we must take decisive action to guarantee all these deficiencies are addressed," he said.
Investigation and Aftermath
The blaze—which spread quickly both vertically and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, approximately two days after it began, and necessitated more than 2,000 firefighters to contain.
On that day, police began entering the buildings to collect forensic material. Officials state the investigation could last several weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
Several residents have stated they failed to hear a emergency siren when the fire broke out. The city's fire department determined that alarms in each building were operating inadequately.
The relevant regulatory body has put on hold renovation projects on 30 private projects.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
Separately, police reportedly detained a 24-year-old man on suspicion of sedition on Saturday. He was part of a gathering petitioning for an autonomous investigation into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal collected in excess of 10,000 signatures in less than a day before its contents were wiped.
A pair of additional persons, including a former district councillor, were also taken in by authorities, per press accounts.
International Reaction
The human rights organization and The monitoring body have both condemned the said apprehensions.
"This is the occasion for the Hong Kong authorities to openly examine the origins of the tragic incident...instead of suppressing those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group.
Historical Context and Demographics
The housing estate was completed in the early 1980s and had offered nearly two thousand flats for some 4,600 residents, based on a population count.
Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are thought to be older than 65 years old. Some have lived in the subsidised housing estate from its inception.
Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on file killed 176 people in 1948 and was triggered by a ground-floor explosion at a multi-story storage facility. The deadliest was at a local racetrack in 1918, when in excess of 600 people perished.
