The city's Leader Orders Investigation into Deadly Fire that Killed 151
Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an independent committee to investigate the cause of a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 151 individuals.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
Last Wednesday, the majority of the apartment buildings at the Wang Fuk Court—which had been undergoing significant upgrades—were consumed by a blaze. A probe subsequently revealed that protective netting installed on the buildings failed to meet fire safety regulations.
A minimum of 13 suspects have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, including the executives of a building firm.
"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Changes are required. Failures have been detected in various phases. This is precisely the reason we must act seriously to ensure that all these loopholes are eliminated," remarked Mr. Lee.
Investigation and Aftermath
The fire—advancing with speed both upwards and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, approximately two days after it started, and required in excess of 2,000 fire service personnel to contain.
That very day, police began entering the buildings to gather evidence. The government indicates the inquiry could take several weeks.
Systemic Failures Identified
Multiple inhabitants have reported they failed to hear a emergency siren when the blaze started. Local firefighters discovered that warning systems in all eight blocks were operating inadequately.
The relevant regulatory body has halted for now renovation projects on three dozen private developments.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
Separately, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on charges related to subversion on Saturday. He was involved with a gathering petitioning for an independent inquiry into the fire. An internet-based appeal gathered more than 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its page was taken down.
Two other people, among them a ex-local representative, were also questioned by authorities, according to local media reports.
Global Response
The rights group and Human Rights Watch have both criticised the reported arrests.
"Now is the time for the local government to thoroughly and publicly probe the reasons of the tragic incident...as opposed to silencing those who raise appropriate concerns," remarked the group.
Background and Resident Profile
The residential complex was constructed in 1983 and had offered 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 inhabitants, according to a recent official survey.
Approximately 40 percent of its inhabitants are estimated to be older than 65 years of age. Several have resided in the subsidised housing estate since its construction.
Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on in history claimed 176 individuals in 1948 and was caused by a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when more than 600 people perished.
