The city's Leader Orders Investigation into Deadly Blaze that Took 151
The city's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an autonomous task force to investigate the cause of a catastrophic blaze that killed at least 151 individuals.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
On Wednesday last week, most of the tower blocks at the housing complex—which was subject to significant upgrades—were engulfed by fire. Authorities later discovered that safety scaffolding mesh surrounding the buildings fell short of flame retardant standards.
At least 13 suspects have been detained on suspicion of suspected manslaughter, comprising the senior figures of a building firm.
"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in multiple areas. Hence we must act seriously to guarantee all these deficiencies are addressed," remarked Mr. Lee.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The blaze—advancing with speed both vertically and from building to building—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, around 40 hours after it began, and necessitated over 2,000 emergency responders to contain.
On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to gather evidence. Authorities say the inquiry could take approximately a month.
Systemic Failures Identified
Multiple inhabitants have said they did not hear a smoke detector when the incident erupted. Local firefighters found that detection devices in each building were not working effectively.
The city's construction authority has temporarily suspended construction activities on 30 private projects.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on charges related to incitement on Saturday. He was part of a collective petitioning for an independent inquiry into the blaze. An internet-based appeal amassed over 10,000 signatures in less than a day before its contents were wiped.
Two other people, comprising a ex-local representative, were also questioned by authorities, according to local media reports.
International Reaction
The rights group and Human Rights Watch have both criticised the said apprehensions.
"This is the occasion for the Hong Kong authorities to openly examine the origins of the catastrophic blaze...rather than suppressing those who raise appropriate concerns," stated the organization.
Background and Resident Profile
Wang Fuk Court was built in 1983 and had supplied nearly two thousand flats for some 4,600 inhabitants, per a recent official survey.
Approximately 40 percent of its residents are believed to be older than 65 years old. A number have lived in the government-supported development from its inception.
Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on in history claimed 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was caused by a ground-floor explosion at a multi-story storage facility. The deadliest was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when over 600 attendees lost their lives.
