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The city's Leader Orders Probe into Deadly Fire that Claimed Lives of 151
The city's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an independent committee to probe the origins of a tragic inferno that killed at least 151 residents.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
On Wednesday last week, most of the residential blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—which had been undergoing major refurbishment—went up in flames. Investigators have since found that protective netting surrounding the buildings fell short of flame retardant standards.
At least 13 people have been taken into custody over alleged culpable homicide, comprising the directors of a construction company.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Changes are required. Yes, we have identified failures in multiple areas. That is exactly why we must take decisive action to ensure that all these gaps are addressed," stated the leader.
Investigation and Aftermath
The inferno—advancing with speed both vertically and between the blocks—was only fully doused by the end of the week, some 40 hours after it began, and necessitated over 2,000 fire service personnel to contain.
That very day, police began entering the buildings to collect forensic material. The government indicates the probe could last three to four weeks.
Systemic Failures Identified
Multiple inhabitants have stated they did not hear a smoke detector when the fire broke out. The city's fire department found that warning systems in all eight blocks were malfunctioning.
The city's construction authority has temporarily suspended works on three dozen private developments.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
Additionally, police reportedly detained a 24-year-old man on charges related to sedition on the weekend. He was among a group calling for an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An internet-based appeal gathered in excess of 10,000 endorsements in a very short time before its contents were wiped.
A pair of additional persons, comprising a ex-local representative, were also questioned by officers, per local media reports.
Global Response
Amnesty International and Another watchdog have both denounced the said apprehensions.
"The moment has come for the local government to transparently investigate the causes of the tragic incident...instead of silencing those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group.
Background and Resident Profile
Wang Fuk Court was constructed in 1983 and had supplied 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 occupants, based on a 2021 government census.
Almost four in ten of its residents are believed to be older than 65 years old. Several have been occupants of the subsidised housing estate since it was built.
Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on record took 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was the result of a ground-floor explosion at a commercial building. The deadliest was at a local racetrack in 1918, when over 600 individuals perished.
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