Hong Kong Leader Directs Probe into Fatal Inferno that Took 151
Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an autonomous task force to examine the reasons of a devastating fire that took a minimum of 151 individuals.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
This past Wednesday, the majority of the tower blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—that was in the midst of significant upgrades—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that safety scaffolding mesh used around the buildings failed to meet requirements for fire resistance.
At least 13 individuals have been taken into custody over alleged culpable homicide, including the executives of a construction company.
"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Changes are required. We have uncovered shortcomings in various phases. Hence we must act seriously to make certain all these gaps are addressed," remarked Mr. Lee.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The blaze—advancing with speed both upwards and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, approximately two days after it ignited, and required in excess of 2,000 fire service personnel to contain.
That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to gather evidence. Authorities say the investigation could take several weeks.
Systemic Failures Identified
A number of occupants have said they failed to hear a smoke detector when the fire started. Hong Kong's fire service determined that alarms in every tower were operating inadequately.
The city's construction authority has halted for now works on 30 private projects.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
Separately, authorities are said to have arrested a young man on charges related to subversion on Saturday. He was part of a collective calling for an independent inquiry into the fire. An digital signature drive amassed over 10,000 supporters in a very short time before its page was taken down.
Two other people, including a former district councillor, were also detained by authorities, according to news outlets.
International Reaction
Amnesty International and The monitoring body have both criticised the alleged detentions.
"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to transparently investigate the reasons of the catastrophic blaze...rather than silencing those who raise appropriate concerns," stated the organization.
Background and Resident Profile
The housing estate was built in the early 1980s and had offered 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 residents, based on a population count.
Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are thought to be over 65 years of age. Some have been occupants of the government-supported development since it was built.
Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on file killed 176 people in 1948 and was caused by a blast on the lower level at a commercial building. The deadliest was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when over 600 individuals lost their lives.
