🔗 Share this article

Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an independent committee to investigate the cause of a catastrophic blaze that killed at least 151 residents.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

This past Wednesday, the majority of the apartment buildings at the Wang Fuk Court—which had been undergoing major refurbishment—went up in flames. Investigators have since found that protective netting used around the buildings did not comply with fire safety regulations.

No fewer than 13 individuals have been detained on suspicion of suspected manslaughter, among them the executives of a building firm.

"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a big fire. Yes, we need reform. Failures have been detected in different stages. Hence we must take decisive action to guarantee all these loopholes are addressed," he said.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The blaze—advancing with speed both upwards and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, around 40 hours after it started, and required more than 2,000 fire service personnel to contain.

That very day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. The government indicates the inquiry could require several weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Multiple inhabitants have reported they failed to hear a emergency siren when the blaze erupted. Local firefighters discovered that warning systems in each building were not working effectively.

The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended works on three dozen private developments.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Separately, officers took into custody a young man on suspicion of subversion on Saturday. He was part of a group petitioning for an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An internet-based appeal collected in excess of 10,000 endorsements in less than a day before its page was taken down.

A pair of additional persons, including a former district councillor, were also taken in by officers, as reported by press accounts.

International Reaction

The rights group and Human Rights Watch have both condemned the reported arrests.

"This is the occasion for the city's officials to thoroughly and publicly probe the origins of the catastrophic blaze...as opposed to silencing those who pose valid inquiries," stated the organization.

Historical Context and Demographics

Wang Fuk Court was constructed in 1983 and had supplied nearly two thousand flats for some 4,600 occupants, based on a recent official survey.

Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are thought to be at least 65 years of age. A number have been occupants of the government-supported development from its inception.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on in history took 176 individuals in 1948 and was triggered by a blast on the lower level at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 attendees lost their lives.