The city's Chief Executive Directs Probe into Tragic Inferno that Claimed Lives of 151
The city's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an separate inquiry panel to investigate the cause of a tragic inferno that claimed the lives of 151 people.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
On Wednesday last week, seven of eight apartment buildings at the housing complex—that was in the midst of major refurbishment—went up in flames. Authorities later discovered that protective netting installed on the buildings fell short of requirements for fire resistance.
A minimum of 13 individuals have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, among them the directors of a contractor.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, the fire was immense. Changes are required. Failures have been detected in various phases. This is precisely the reason we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these loopholes are eliminated," stated the leader.
Investigation and Aftermath
The fire—that propagated rapidly both upwards and between the blocks—was finally put out by the end of the week, some 40 hours after it ignited, and required more than 2,000 fire service personnel to bring under control.
That very day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to gather evidence. The government indicates the inquiry could require three to four weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
A number of occupants have reported they failed to hear a smoke detector when the fire broke out. Hong Kong's fire service discovered that detection devices in each building were malfunctioning.
The city's construction authority has halted for now renovation projects on three dozen private developments.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
Separately, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on charges related to sedition on Saturday. He was among a group demanding an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An online petition collected more than 10,000 endorsements in under 24 hours before its page was taken down.
A pair of additional persons, among them a ex-local representative, were also questioned by officers, per news outlets.
International Reaction
Amnesty International and Another watchdog have both criticised the said apprehensions.
"The moment has come for the city's officials to openly examine the reasons of the catastrophic blaze...as opposed to suppressing those who raise appropriate concerns," stated the organization.
Background and Resident Profile
Wang Fuk Court was completed in 1983 and had offered nearly two thousand flats for some 4,600 inhabitants, based on a 2021 government census.
Approximately 40 percent of its inhabitants are thought to be older than 65 years old. A number have lived in the government-supported development from its inception.
The city's second-worst blaze on record killed 176 individuals in 1948 and was the result of a blast on the lower level at a multi-story storage facility. The deadliest was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when over 600 individuals lost their lives.
