Hong Kong Leader Orders Probe into Tragic Fire that Took 151
Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an independent committee to probe the origins of a devastating fire that took a minimum of 151 residents.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
This past Wednesday, most of the residential blocks at the estate—which had been undergoing major refurbishment—went up in flames. Authorities later discovered that protective netting used around the buildings did not comply with requirements for fire resistance.
At least 13 individuals have been taken into custody over alleged culpable homicide, comprising the directors of a construction company.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, the fire was immense. Reform is necessary. Failures have been detected in multiple areas. That is exactly why we must act seriously to ensure that all these deficiencies are plucked," stated the leader.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The blaze—that propagated rapidly both vertically and between the blocks—was not completely extinguished by Friday morning, approximately two days after it ignited, and took more than 2,000 fire service personnel to contain.
The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to collect forensic material. Authorities say the probe could last several weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
Several residents have stated they were not alerted by a fire alarm when the incident erupted. The city's fire department determined that alarms in all eight blocks were operating inadequately.
The city's construction authority has halted for now renovation projects on numerous private sites.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
Additionally, officers took into custody a young man on allegations of subversion on Saturday. He was among a group calling for an independent inquiry into the fire. An internet-based appeal collected in excess of 10,000 supporters in less than a day before its contents were wiped.
Another two individuals, including a ex-local representative, were also detained by police, according to local media reports.
International Reaction
The rights group and Human Rights Watch have both condemned the reported arrests.
"Now is the time for the city's officials to openly examine the causes of the tragic incident...instead of muzzling those who pose valid inquiries," Amnesty International said.
Background and Resident Profile
Wang Fuk Court was constructed in the early 1980s and had offered nearly two thousand flats for some 4,600 residents, according to a 2021 government census.
Approximately 40 percent of its occupants are believed to be older than 65 years old. Several have been occupants of the public housing complex from its inception.
The city's second-most fatal incident on in history claimed 176 people in 1948 and was caused by a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The most deadly was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when over 600 attendees lost their lives.
