Hong Kong Leader Directs Probe into Fatal Fire that Took 151
Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an independent committee to probe the origins of a devastating fire that killed at least 151 residents.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
On Wednesday last week, most of the apartment buildings at the estate—that was in the midst of major refurbishment—were engulfed by fire. Investigators have since found that protective netting installed on the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards.
At least 13 people have been detained on suspicion of suspected manslaughter, including the directors of a construction company.
"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a big fire. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. Hence we must respond rigorously to guarantee all these loopholes are plucked," he said.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The inferno—which spread quickly both upwards and between the blocks—was finally put out by Friday morning, approximately two days after it began, and required in excess of 2,000 firefighters to contain.
On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. Officials state the inquiry could take approximately a month.
Systemic Failures Identified
Multiple inhabitants have reported they did not hear a emergency siren when the incident erupted. The city's fire department determined that warning systems in all eight blocks were not working effectively.
The city's construction authority has temporarily suspended renovation projects on three dozen private developments.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
Additionally, police reportedly detained a 24-year-old man on allegations of subversion on the weekend. He was part of a collective demanding an separate review into the blaze. An internet-based appeal amassed more than 10,000 supporters in less than a day before its page was taken down.
A pair of additional persons, including a ex-local representative, were also taken in by police, as reported by press accounts.
International Reaction
Amnesty International and The monitoring body have both denounced the alleged detentions.
"This is the occasion for the Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly and publicly probe the causes of the tragic incident...as opposed to suppressing those who raise appropriate concerns," remarked the group.
Background and Resident Profile
Wang Fuk Court was constructed in the early 1980s and had provided 1,984 apartments for approximately 4,600 residents, based on a population count.
Almost four in ten of its occupants are estimated to be older than 65 years of age. Several have resided in the public housing complex since its construction.
The city's second-deadliest fire on record took 176 people in 1948 and was caused by a ground-floor explosion at a five-storey warehouse. The deadliest was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 people perished.
