Hong Kong Chief Executive Orders Investigation into Fatal Blaze that Took 151
The city's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an separate inquiry panel to investigate the cause of a devastating fire that took a minimum of 151 people.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
Last Wednesday, most of the apartment buildings at the Wang Fuk Court—which was subject to major refurbishment—were engulfed by fire. Authorities later discovered that safety scaffolding mesh installed on the buildings fell short of flame retardant standards.
No fewer than 13 people have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, including the directors of a contractor.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a big fire. Changes are required. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. This is precisely the reason we must respond rigorously to make certain all these gaps are eliminated," he said.
Investigation and Aftermath
The fire—which spread quickly both vertically and between the blocks—was not completely extinguished by Friday morning, approximately two days after it started, and necessitated in excess of 2,000 firefighters to subdue.
That very day, police began entering the buildings to gather evidence. Authorities say the probe could require several weeks.
Systemic Failures Identified
Several residents have reported they failed to hear a smoke detector when the fire erupted. Hong Kong's fire service discovered that detection devices in each building were not working effectively.
Hong Kong's buildings department has halted for now renovation projects on 30 private projects.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
Additionally, officers took into custody a young man on allegations of incitement on the weekend. He was among a gathering calling for an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An digital signature drive collected in excess of 10,000 endorsements in under 24 hours before its information was removed.
Another two individuals, including a past council member, were also detained by officers, as reported by press accounts.
Global Response
The rights group and The monitoring body have both condemned the reported arrests.
"The moment has come for the local government to thoroughly and publicly probe the reasons of the catastrophic blaze...as opposed to muzzling those who pose valid inquiries," stated the organization.
Background and Resident Profile
The residential complex was built in the early 1980s and had supplied 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 occupants, based on a recent official survey.
Nearly 40% of its inhabitants are thought to be at least 65 years old. Several have lived in the government-supported development from its inception.
The city's second-worst blaze on in history claimed 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The most deadly was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when more than 600 attendees died.
