The city's Chief Executive Directs Probe into Deadly Inferno that Killed 151
The city's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an independent committee to investigate the cause of a devastating fire that took a minimum of 151 individuals.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
This past Wednesday, seven of eight residential blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—which had been undergoing major refurbishment—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that protective netting surrounding the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards.
At least 13 individuals have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, among them the directors of a building firm.
"This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. Yes, we have identified failures in various phases. That is exactly why we must take decisive action to make certain all these deficiencies are addressed," stated the leader.
Investigation and Aftermath
The fire—which spread quickly both vertically and from building to building—was only fully doused by Friday morning, around 40 hours after it ignited, and required in excess of 2,000 firefighters to contain.
On that day, police began entering the buildings to gather evidence. Officials state the investigation could last several weeks.
Systemic Failures Identified
Multiple inhabitants have reported they failed to hear a smoke detector when the incident started. Local firefighters found that alarms in each building were malfunctioning.
The relevant regulatory body has put on hold works on three dozen private developments.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
In a related development, authorities are said to have arrested a 24-year-old man on suspicion of incitement on Saturday. He was part of a group demanding an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An internet-based appeal gathered more than 10,000 signatures in a very short time before its information was removed.
Two other people, comprising a former district councillor, were also taken in by police, according to local media reports.
Global Response
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both criticised the alleged detentions.
"The moment has come for the Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly and publicly probe the origins of the devastating fire...rather than suppressing those who raise appropriate concerns," stated the organization.
Background and Resident Profile
The residential complex was completed in 1983 and had offered nearly two thousand flats for approximately 4,600 occupants, based on a recent official survey.
Nearly 40% of its residents are estimated to be at least 65 years of age. A number have been occupants of the government-supported development since its construction.
Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on record claimed 176 lives in 1948 and was the result of a detonation at street level at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 attendees perished.
