Hong Kong Chief Executive Orders Investigation into Deadly Blaze that Took 151
Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an autonomous task force to investigate the cause of a devastating fire that killed at least 151 people.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
Last Wednesday, the majority of the residential blocks at the estate—which had been undergoing major refurbishment—were consumed by a blaze. A probe subsequently revealed that construction site netting installed on the buildings failed to meet fire safety regulations.
A minimum of 13 people have been detained on suspicion of alleged culpable homicide, among them the executives of a contractor.
"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Yes, we need reform. Failures have been detected in various phases. That is exactly why we must take decisive action to ensure that all these loopholes are plucked," stated the leader.
Investigation and Aftermath
The blaze—advancing with speed both upwards and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, around 40 hours after it ignited, and necessitated over 2,000 fire service personnel to bring under control.
On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. The government indicates the probe could last approximately a month.
Systemic Failures Identified
Several residents have reported they did not hear a emergency siren when the fire broke out. Hong Kong's fire service discovered that detection devices in every tower were malfunctioning.
The relevant regulatory body has put on hold construction activities on numerous private sites.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
Additionally, police reportedly detained a individual on suspicion of subversion on the weekend. He was involved with a collective calling for an separate review into the fire. An internet-based appeal collected in excess of 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its contents were wiped.
Another two individuals, including a past council member, were also detained by police, according to local media reports.
Global Response
The human rights organization and Human Rights Watch have both denounced the alleged detentions.
"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to openly examine the origins of the tragic incident...as opposed to silencing those who raise appropriate concerns," stated the organization.
Historical Context and Demographics
Wang Fuk Court was constructed in the early 1980s and had provided close to 2,000 units for approximately 4,600 residents, per a recent official survey.
Nearly 40% of its residents are believed to be at least 65 years of age. Several have lived in the public housing complex since its construction.
The city's second-deadliest fire on in history took 176 individuals in 1948 and was the result of a detonation at street level at a five-storey warehouse. The most deadly was at a local racetrack in 1918, when in excess of 600 people lost their lives.
