Hong Kong Chief Executive Orders Probe into Tragic Inferno that Took 151
Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an separate inquiry panel to probe the origins of a catastrophic blaze that took a minimum of 151 people.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
Last Wednesday, the majority of the tower blocks at the housing complex—which was subject to extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that protective netting surrounding the buildings fell short of requirements for fire resistance.
A minimum of 13 individuals have been detained on suspicion of suspected manslaughter, among them the executives of a building firm.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a big fire. Reform is necessary. Failures have been detected in different stages. Hence we must act seriously to ensure that all these loopholes are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The fire—which spread quickly both vertically and between the blocks—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, approximately two days after it ignited, and took in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to contain.
On that day, authorities started accessing the buildings to collect forensic material. Officials state the probe could take three to four weeks.
Systemic Failures Identified
Multiple inhabitants have said they failed to hear a fire alarm when the fire started. Hong Kong's fire service discovered that alarms in each building were not working effectively.
The relevant regulatory body has halted for now works on numerous private sites.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
Additionally, police reportedly detained a 24-year-old man on suspicion of incitement on Saturday. He was involved with a group demanding an independent inquiry into the fire. An online petition collected in excess of 10,000 supporters in less than a day before its contents were wiped.
Two other people, among them a ex-local representative, were also detained by authorities, according to press accounts.
Global Response
The rights group and Human Rights Watch have both condemned the alleged detentions.
"The moment has come for the local government to thoroughly and publicly probe the reasons of the devastating fire...rather than silencing those who ask legitimate questions," stated the organization.
Historical Context and Demographics
Wang Fuk Court was completed in the early 1980s and had provided 1,984 apartments for approximately 4,600 occupants, per a population count.
Almost four in ten of its residents are thought to be at least 65 years of age. A number have been occupants of the subsidised housing estate from its inception.
Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on in history took 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was the result of a ground-floor explosion at a commercial building. The most deadly was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when more than 600 people died.
