Hong Kong Leader Directs Investigation into Tragic Inferno that Took 151
The city's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an autonomous task force to probe the origins of a tragic inferno that claimed the lives of 151 people.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
This past Wednesday, the majority of the tower blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—that was in the midst of major refurbishment—went up in flames. Investigators have since found that protective netting installed on the buildings failed to meet fire safety regulations.
A minimum of 13 suspects 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. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these deficiencies are plucked," he said.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The fire—that propagated rapidly both upwards and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by the end of the week, some 40 hours after it began, and necessitated over 2,000 emergency responders to subdue.
That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to secure proof. Officials state the probe could require three to four weeks.
Systemic Failures Identified
A number of occupants have stated they were not alerted by a emergency siren when the blaze broke out. Hong Kong's fire service found that detection devices in each building were operating inadequately.
The city's construction authority has halted for now renovation projects on three dozen private developments.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
Separately, police reportedly detained a young man on suspicion of incitement on Saturday. He was among a gathering demanding an independent inquiry into the tragedy. An digital signature drive amassed in excess of 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its information was removed.
A pair of additional persons, among them a ex-local representative, were also detained by authorities, per news outlets.
International Reaction
Amnesty International and The monitoring body have both criticised the said apprehensions.
"This is the occasion for the Hong Kong authorities to openly examine the origins of the catastrophic blaze...as opposed to silencing those who ask legitimate questions," stated the organization.
Background and Resident Profile
The housing estate was built in the early 1980s and had provided nearly two thousand flats for approximately 4,600 inhabitants, based on a population count.
Almost four in ten of its residents are believed to be at least 65 years old. A number have lived in the public housing complex since it was built.
The city's second-deadliest fire on file took 176 individuals in 1948 and was caused by a detonation at street level at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at a sporting venue in 1918, when in excess of 600 individuals perished.
