The city's Leader Orders Probe into Tragic Fire that Took 151
The city's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an autonomous task force to investigate the cause of a catastrophic blaze that killed at least 151 people.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
On Wednesday last week, the majority of the residential blocks at the housing complex—which was subject to significant upgrades—went up in flames. Investigators have since found that protective netting installed on the buildings fell short of fire safety regulations.
At least 13 suspects have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, among them the executives of a contractor.
"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Yes, we need reform. Failures have been detected in various phases. This is precisely the reason we must take decisive action to guarantee all these loopholes are addressed," he said.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The fire—which spread quickly both vertically and between the blocks—was finally put out by the end of the week, approximately two days after it began, and required over 2,000 emergency responders to bring under control.
The same day, authorities started accessing the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the probe could take approximately a month.
Shortcomings Uncovered
Multiple inhabitants have stated they were not alerted by a fire alarm when the fire erupted. Local firefighters determined that detection devices in every tower were not working effectively.
The city's construction authority has put on hold works on 30 private projects.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
Separately, officers took into custody a individual on allegations of incitement on the weekend. He was part of a gathering demanding an separate review into the fire. An internet-based appeal amassed more than 10,000 signatures in a very short time before its page was taken down.
Two other people, including a former district councillor, were also taken in by officers, according to press accounts.
Global Response
Amnesty International and Another watchdog have both condemned the reported arrests.
"The moment has come for the local government to thoroughly and publicly probe the causes of the catastrophic blaze...instead of muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," Amnesty International said.
Background and Resident Profile
Wang Fuk Court was built in the early 1980s and had offered 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 inhabitants, according to a 2021 government census.
Nearly 40% of its occupants are estimated to be at least 65 years of age. Several have been occupants of the subsidised housing estate since its construction.
Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on file took 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was caused by a detonation at street level at a five-storey warehouse. The most deadly was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 individuals perished.
