Hong Kong Leader Orders Investigation into Fatal Blaze that Took 151
Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an separate inquiry panel to probe the origins of a tragic inferno that took a minimum of 151 individuals.
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 consumed by a blaze. Authorities later discovered that safety scaffolding mesh used around the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards.
A minimum of 13 individuals have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, comprising the directors of a contractor.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Reform is necessary. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. That is exactly why we must take decisive action to ensure that all these deficiencies are plucked," stated the leader.
Investigation and Aftermath
The blaze—that propagated rapidly both upwards and across the separate towers—was finally put out by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it began, and required more than 2,000 fire service personnel to subdue.
That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the investigation could last several weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
Several residents have said they were not alerted by a fire alarm when the blaze erupted. Hong Kong's fire service found that alarms in every tower were operating inadequately.
The city's construction authority has put on hold works on numerous private sites.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on allegations of sedition on Saturday. He was part of a collective calling for an autonomous investigation into the fire. An digital signature drive amassed over 10,000 supporters in under 24 hours before its information was removed.
Two other people, including a past council member, were also taken in by police, according to news outlets.
Global Response
The human rights organization and Another watchdog have both criticised the said apprehensions.
"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly and publicly probe the origins of the tragic incident...rather than muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group.
Historical Context and Demographics
The housing estate was completed in 1983 and had supplied nearly two thousand flats for some 4,600 inhabitants, according to a recent official survey.
Nearly 40% of its occupants are estimated to be older than 65 years of age. Several have lived in the subsidised housing estate since its construction.
The city's second-deadliest fire on in history killed 176 individuals in 1948 and was triggered by a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when over 600 individuals perished.
