The city's Chief Executive Orders Probe into Tragic Fire that Claimed Lives of 151
The city's leader, 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
Last Wednesday, most of the tower blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—that was in the midst of major refurbishment—were engulfed by fire. A probe subsequently revealed that safety scaffolding mesh installed on the buildings failed to meet requirements for fire resistance.
At least 13 suspects have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, among them the directors of a construction company.
"It is a terrible tragedy, the fire was immense. Reform is necessary. Yes, we have identified failures in various phases. Hence we must act seriously to guarantee all these deficiencies are plucked," stated the leader.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The fire—that propagated rapidly both upwards and between the blocks—was not completely extinguished by the end of the week, approximately two days after it began, and required more than 2,000 firefighters to contain.
On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. Officials state the investigation could take several weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
Several residents have said they did not hear a smoke detector when the incident broke out. The city's fire department determined that warning systems in all eight blocks were operating inadequately.
The relevant regulatory body has halted for now works on numerous private sites.
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 involved with a gathering calling for an separate review into the fire. An internet-based appeal amassed more than 10,000 endorsements in under 24 hours before its page was taken down.
Another two individuals, comprising a ex-local representative, were also taken in by officers, according to press accounts.
International Reaction
Amnesty International and The monitoring body have both condemned the said apprehensions.
"Now is the time for the city's officials to transparently investigate the causes of the tragic incident...as opposed to silencing those who pose valid inquiries," Amnesty International said.
Historical Context and Demographics
Wang Fuk Court was built in 1983 and had provided 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 residents, per a population count.
Nearly 40% of its occupants are thought to be older than 65 years old. Several have lived in the subsidised housing estate from its inception.
The city's second-deadliest fire on in history killed 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was caused by a detonation at street level at a five-storey warehouse. The most deadly was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 attendees lost their lives.
