Hong Kong Leader Orders Investigation into Deadly Blaze that Took 151
The city's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an autonomous task force to investigate the cause of a tragic inferno that claimed the lives of 151 residents.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
Last Wednesday, the majority of the apartment buildings at the Wang Fuk Court—that was in the midst of major refurbishment—were consumed by a blaze. A probe subsequently revealed that construction site netting installed on the buildings fell short of flame retardant standards.
No fewer than 13 people have been taken into custody over suspected manslaughter, comprising the senior figures of a contractor.
"It is a terrible tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. Hence we must respond rigorously to guarantee all these gaps are plucked," stated the leader.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The fire—which spread quickly both vertically and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, approximately two days after it started, and necessitated in excess of 2,000 firefighters to subdue.
On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to gather evidence. Officials state the probe could require several weeks.
Systemic Failures Identified
Multiple inhabitants have reported they failed to hear a emergency siren when the incident started. Local firefighters discovered that warning systems in all eight blocks were malfunctioning.
Hong Kong's buildings department has put on hold construction activities on numerous private sites.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
Additionally, police reportedly detained a individual on charges related to subversion on the weekend. He was part of a gathering petitioning for an independent inquiry into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal amassed more than 10,000 supporters in a very short time before its contents were wiped.
A pair of additional persons, among them a ex-local representative, were also questioned by officers, according to local media reports.
Global Response
The rights group and Another watchdog have both denounced the alleged detentions.
"This is the occasion for the local government to thoroughly and publicly probe the origins of the devastating fire...instead of muzzling those who pose valid inquiries," stated the organization.
Background and Resident Profile
The housing estate was completed in the early 1980s and had offered nearly two thousand flats for approximately 4,600 occupants, per a recent official survey.
Almost four in ten of its residents are thought to be over 65 years of age. A number have resided in the public housing complex since its construction.
Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on in history claimed 176 people in 1948 and was the result of a ground-floor explosion at a commercial building. The most deadly was at a sporting venue in 1918, when more than 600 individuals lost their lives.
