The city's Chief Executive Directs Investigation into Deadly Fire that Killed 151
The city's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an separate inquiry panel to probe the origins of a devastating fire that took a minimum of 151 residents.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
This past Wednesday, seven of eight residential blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—which had been undergoing major refurbishment—were consumed by a blaze. A probe subsequently revealed that safety scaffolding mesh installed on the buildings fell short of flame retardant standards.
At least 13 individuals have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, among them the senior figures of a building firm.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Changes are required. We have uncovered shortcomings in various phases. Hence we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these gaps are eliminated," remarked Mr. Lee.
Investigation and Aftermath
The fire—advancing with speed both upwards and across the separate towers—was finally put out by the end of the week, some 40 hours after it began, and necessitated over 2,000 emergency responders to subdue.
On that day, authorities started accessing the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the inquiry could take several weeks.
Systemic Failures Identified
Several residents have stated they failed to hear a smoke detector when the blaze erupted. The city's fire department found that warning systems in each building were not working effectively.
The city's construction authority has put on hold renovation projects on three dozen private developments.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
In a related development, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on charges related to subversion on the weekend. He was part of a collective petitioning for an autonomous investigation into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal collected in excess of 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its information was removed.
Two other people, including a past council member, were also detained by officers, per press accounts.
International Reaction
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both denounced the reported arrests.
"Now is the time for the local government to openly examine the reasons of the devastating fire...as opposed to suppressing those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group.
Background and Resident Profile
Wang Fuk Court was completed in 1983 and had offered close to 2,000 units for approximately 4,600 occupants, according to a 2021 government census.
Nearly 40% of its inhabitants are believed to be over 65 years old. A number have resided in the public housing complex since it was built.
The city's second-most fatal incident on in history took 176 people in the mid-20th century and was the result of a blast on the lower level at a commercial building. The deadliest was at a local racetrack in 1918, when over 600 people lost their lives.