Hong Kong Leader Orders Investigation into Tragic Fire that Took 151
The city's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an autonomous task force to investigate the cause of a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 151 individuals.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
On Wednesday last week, the majority of the residential blocks at the housing complex—which was subject to significant upgrades—were engulfed by fire. A probe subsequently revealed that protective netting surrounding the buildings did not comply with requirements for fire resistance.
At least 13 people have been taken into custody over alleged culpable homicide, comprising the executives of a contractor.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, the fire was immense. Changes are required. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to guarantee all these gaps are addressed," stated the leader.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The blaze—which spread quickly both upwards and between the blocks—was only fully doused by the morning of Friday, around 40 hours after it started, and necessitated more than 2,000 firefighters to contain.
On that day, police began entering the buildings to secure proof. Officials state the inquiry could take approximately a month.
Systemic Failures Identified
A number of occupants have reported they were not alerted by a emergency siren when the incident started. The city's fire department found that warning systems in every tower were not working effectively.
The relevant regulatory body has halted for now works on numerous private sites.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
Additionally, police reportedly detained a individual on charges related to sedition on Saturday. He was involved with a collective demanding an independent inquiry into the tragedy. An digital signature drive gathered in excess of 10,000 supporters in a very short time before its information was removed.
Two other people, comprising a ex-local representative, were also taken in by police, according to press accounts.
Global Response
The human rights organization and Another watchdog have both condemned the reported arrests.
"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to transparently investigate the causes of the tragic incident...as opposed to muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," stated the organization.
Background and Resident Profile
Wang Fuk Court was built in the early 1980s and had offered close to 2,000 units for around 4,600 occupants, according to a population count.
Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are believed to be older than 65 years of age. A number have lived in the public housing complex since its construction.
The city's second-worst blaze on file killed 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was the result of a ground-floor explosion at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at a local racetrack in 1918, when in excess of 600 individuals perished.
