The city's Chief Executive Orders Probe into Fatal Inferno that Killed 151
The city's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an separate inquiry panel to investigate the cause of a tragic inferno that took a minimum of 151 residents.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
Last Wednesday, seven of eight residential blocks at the housing complex—which was subject to major refurbishment—were engulfed by fire. A probe subsequently revealed that safety scaffolding mesh surrounding the buildings did not comply with requirements for fire resistance.
No fewer than 13 individuals have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, including the directors of a building firm.
"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a big fire. Yes, we need reform. Yes, we have identified failures in multiple areas. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to make certain all these loopholes are eliminated," stated the leader.
Investigation and Aftermath
The blaze—advancing with speed both vertically and from building to building—was finally put out by Friday morning, approximately two days after it started, and necessitated in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to bring under control.
On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. Officials state the inquiry could require several weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
A number of occupants have reported they failed to hear a fire alarm when the blaze erupted. Local firefighters determined that warning systems in every tower were operating inadequately.
The relevant regulatory body has put on hold renovation projects on 30 private projects.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
In a related development, officers took into custody a young man on allegations of sedition on Saturday. He was part of a collective demanding an separate review into the tragedy. An digital signature drive collected more than 10,000 endorsements in less than a day before its contents were wiped.
A pair of additional persons, comprising a ex-local representative, were also taken in by authorities, according to press accounts.
International Reaction
The human rights organization and The monitoring body have both criticised the said apprehensions.
"The moment has come for the Hong Kong authorities to openly examine the origins of the devastating fire...as opposed to suppressing those who raise appropriate concerns," stated the organization.
Background and Resident Profile
Wang Fuk Court was built in the early 1980s and had supplied nearly two thousand flats for around 4,600 residents, according to a population count.
Approximately 40 percent of its residents are thought to be over 65 years of age. Several have been occupants of the public housing complex since its construction.
The city's second-deadliest fire on in history claimed 176 people in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a detonation at street level at a multi-story storage facility. The deadliest was at a sporting venue in 1918, when over 600 attendees died.
