The city's Chief Executive Directs Investigation into Fatal Fire that Took 151
The city's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an autonomous task force to investigate the cause of a tragic inferno that killed at least 151 individuals.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
Last Wednesday, most of the apartment buildings at the housing complex—which was subject to significant upgrades—were consumed by a blaze. Authorities later discovered that safety scaffolding mesh surrounding the buildings fell short of fire safety regulations.
A minimum of 13 people have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, including the senior figures of a construction company.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Reform is necessary. Yes, we have identified failures in different stages. This is precisely the reason we must act seriously to ensure that all these deficiencies are addressed," remarked Mr. Lee.
Investigation and Aftermath
The inferno—that propagated rapidly both upwards and from building to building—was only fully doused by the end of the week, approximately two days after it ignited, and necessitated in excess of 2,000 firefighters to subdue.
That very day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to collect forensic material. Officials state the investigation could last approximately a month.
Systemic Failures Identified
Several residents have said they were not alerted by a emergency siren when the fire broke out. Local firefighters found that warning systems in all eight blocks were not working effectively.
The relevant regulatory body has halted for now construction activities on three dozen private developments.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
Additionally, police reportedly detained a individual on charges related to sedition on the weekend. He was involved with a group demanding an separate review into the fire. An internet-based appeal amassed more than 10,000 supporters in less than a day before its information was removed.
A pair of additional persons, including a ex-local representative, were also detained by authorities, as reported by local media reports.
Global Response
The rights group and The monitoring body have both criticised the alleged detentions.
"Now is the time for the city's officials to transparently investigate the origins of the catastrophic blaze...rather than muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," stated the organization.
Background and Resident Profile
Wang Fuk Court was completed in the early 1980s and had offered 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 residents, according to a recent official survey.
Approximately 40 percent of its occupants are believed to be older than 65 years old. Some have resided in the government-supported development since it was built.
Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on record killed 176 people in 1948 and was the result of a blast on the lower level at a five-storey warehouse. The deadliest was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 people died.
