The city's Chief Executive Directs Probe into Tragic Fire that Killed 151
The city's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an separate inquiry panel to examine the reasons of a catastrophic blaze that claimed the lives of 151 residents.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
This past Wednesday, the majority of the tower blocks at the estate—that was in the midst of significant upgrades—were consumed by a blaze. A probe subsequently revealed that construction site netting used around the buildings fell short of fire safety regulations.
A minimum of 13 individuals have been detained on suspicion of alleged culpable homicide, comprising the senior figures of a construction company.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a big fire. Reform is necessary. We have uncovered shortcomings in various phases. Hence we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these deficiencies are eliminated," stated the leader.
Investigation and Aftermath
The inferno—which spread quickly both upwards and from building to building—was only fully doused by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it started, and required over 2,000 emergency responders to bring under control.
On that day, police began entering the buildings to gather evidence. Officials state the inquiry could take several weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
Multiple inhabitants have said they were not alerted by a smoke detector when the incident started. Hong Kong's fire service found that warning systems in all eight blocks were operating inadequately.
The relevant regulatory body has halted for now renovation projects on 30 private projects.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
Additionally, officers took into custody a 24-year-old man on charges related to subversion on the weekend. He was part of a gathering petitioning for an independent inquiry into the blaze. An internet-based appeal amassed in excess of 10,000 supporters in a very short time before its page was taken down.
A pair of additional persons, among them a former district councillor, were also questioned by police, according to news outlets.
International Reaction
Amnesty International and Another watchdog have both criticised the said apprehensions.
"Now is the time for the local government to transparently investigate the origins of the devastating fire...rather than muzzling those who raise appropriate concerns," stated the organization.
Historical Context and Demographics
Wang Fuk Court was completed in the early 1980s and had offered close to 2,000 units for around 4,600 occupants, according to a 2021 government census.
Approximately 40 percent of its inhabitants are estimated to be over 65 years old. Some have resided in the public housing complex since it was built.
The city's second-deadliest fire on file claimed 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a ground-floor explosion at a commercial building. The deadliest was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when more than 600 attendees perished.
