The city's Chief Executive Orders Probe into Deadly Blaze that Took 151
Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an independent committee to examine the reasons of a devastating fire that took a minimum of 151 people.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
This past Wednesday, seven of eight residential blocks at the housing complex—which had been undergoing major refurbishment—were consumed by a blaze. Authorities later discovered that safety scaffolding mesh installed on the buildings failed to meet fire safety regulations.
No fewer than 13 people have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, among them the senior figures of a building firm.
"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Yes, we need reform. Failures have been detected in different stages. This is precisely the reason we must take decisive action to guarantee all these gaps are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The inferno—advancing with speed both vertically and from building to building—was finally put out by the morning of Friday, approximately two days after it began, and took over 2,000 firefighters to bring under control.
That very day, police began entering the buildings to secure proof. The government indicates the inquiry could take three to four weeks.
Systemic Failures Identified
A number of occupants have stated they did not hear a emergency siren when the blaze erupted. Hong Kong's fire service discovered that alarms in every tower were not working effectively.
The relevant regulatory body has halted for now construction activities on 30 private projects.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
In a related development, police reportedly detained a 24-year-old man on allegations of subversion on the weekend. He was involved with a gathering demanding an separate review into the blaze. An digital signature drive amassed over 10,000 endorsements in less than a day before its information was removed.
Two other people, including a past council member, were also taken in by officers, as reported by press accounts.
Global Response
The rights group and The monitoring body have both criticised the said apprehensions.
"This is the occasion for the local government to transparently investigate the causes of the devastating fire...rather than suppressing those who raise appropriate concerns," remarked the group.
Historical Context and Demographics
Wang Fuk Court was built in the early 1980s and had provided nearly two thousand flats for some 4,600 residents, per a population count.
Approximately 40 percent of its occupants are estimated to be over 65 years of age. Several have lived in the government-supported development since it was built.
The city's second-most fatal incident on record killed 176 people in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a ground-floor explosion at a five-storey warehouse. The deadliest was at a sporting venue in 1918, when over 600 attendees lost their lives.
