The city's Leader Orders Investigation into Fatal Inferno that Claimed Lives of 151
The city's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an separate inquiry panel to probe the origins of a devastating fire that killed at least 151 people.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
On Wednesday last week, most of the apartment buildings at the Wang Fuk Court—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. Authorities later discovered that construction site netting used around the buildings fell short of requirements for fire resistance.
No fewer than 13 suspects have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, among them the directors of a contractor.
"This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Changes are required. We have uncovered shortcomings in multiple areas. Hence we must act seriously to ensure that all these loopholes are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The fire—advancing with speed both upwards and between the blocks—was finally put out by Friday morning, around 40 hours after it began, and took in excess of 2,000 firefighters to subdue.
The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to gather evidence. Authorities say the probe could take several weeks.
Systemic Failures Identified
Multiple inhabitants have said they were not alerted by a fire alarm when the incident erupted. The city's fire department discovered that detection devices in each building were not working effectively.
The city's construction authority has temporarily suspended works on three dozen private developments.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
Separately, police reportedly detained a young man on suspicion of subversion on Saturday. He was part of a gathering calling for an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An internet-based appeal gathered over 10,000 endorsements in a very short time before its contents were wiped.
Another two individuals, among them a former district councillor, were also detained by police, as reported by press accounts.
Global Response
The rights group and Human Rights Watch have both denounced the alleged detentions.
"This is the occasion for the city's officials to thoroughly and publicly probe the reasons of the tragic incident...as opposed to suppressing those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group.
Historical Context and Demographics
The residential complex was built in the early 1980s and had provided nearly two thousand flats for some 4,600 occupants, according to a recent official survey.
Approximately 40 percent of its residents are estimated to be over 65 years old. A number have resided in the government-supported development since it was built.
The city's second-worst blaze on file took 176 people in 1948 and was caused by a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The most deadly was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 individuals died.
