The city's Chief Executive Orders Investigation into Tragic Fire that Claimed Lives of 151
The city's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an separate inquiry panel to examine the reasons of a devastating fire that took a minimum of 151 individuals.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
On Wednesday last week, seven of eight tower blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—which was subject to major refurbishment—went up in flames. Investigators have since found that protective netting surrounding the buildings did not comply with fire safety regulations.
No fewer than 13 suspects have been arrested for alleged culpable homicide, including the directors of a construction company.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Reform is necessary. We have uncovered shortcomings in various phases. Hence we must act seriously to guarantee all these loopholes are addressed," remarked Mr. Lee.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The blaze—which spread quickly both vertically and between the blocks—was not completely extinguished by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it started, and took more than 2,000 emergency responders to contain.
That very day, police began entering the buildings to gather evidence. Officials state the investigation could last approximately a month.
Shortcomings Uncovered
Multiple inhabitants have reported they did not hear a emergency siren when the fire started. Local firefighters determined that alarms in all eight blocks were not working effectively.
The city's construction authority has halted for now works on numerous private sites.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
In a related development, police reportedly detained a young man on allegations of subversion on Saturday. He was among a group calling for an independent inquiry into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal gathered in excess of 10,000 supporters in less than a day before its information was removed.
Two other people, including a ex-local representative, were also detained by authorities, per news outlets.
International Reaction
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both condemned the said apprehensions.
"The moment has come for the city's officials to thoroughly and publicly probe the origins of the catastrophic blaze...as opposed to muzzling those who pose valid inquiries," stated the organization.
Historical Context and Demographics
The housing estate was constructed in the early 1980s and had supplied close to 2,000 units for around 4,600 occupants, per a 2021 government census.
Approximately 40 percent of its occupants are estimated to be older than 65 years of age. A number have resided in the subsidised housing estate since its construction.
The city's second-deadliest fire on record killed 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a detonation at street level at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when in excess of 600 attendees died.
