🔗 Share this article

Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an independent committee to probe the origins 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 was subject to significant upgrades—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that protective netting used around the buildings fell short of flame retardant standards.

At least 13 people have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, comprising the executives of a construction company.

"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Reform is necessary. We have uncovered shortcomings in multiple areas. Hence we must take decisive action to guarantee all these deficiencies are addressed," stated the leader.

Investigation and Aftermath

The inferno—that propagated rapidly both vertically and across the separate towers—was finally put out by the end of the week, approximately two days after it ignited, and necessitated over 2,000 emergency responders to subdue.

The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to gather evidence. The government indicates the inquiry could last three to four weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

A number of occupants have reported they did not hear a smoke detector when the fire started. Hong Kong's fire service found that alarms in all eight blocks were not working effectively.

The city's construction authority has put on hold works on 30 private projects.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

In a related development, authorities are said to have arrested a 24-year-old man on allegations of incitement on the weekend. He was involved with a gathering demanding an autonomous investigation into the tragedy. An online petition gathered more than 10,000 endorsements in less than a day before its information was removed.

Two other people, among them a past council member, were also detained by authorities, according to local media reports.

International Reaction

The human rights organization and Another watchdog have both condemned the said apprehensions.

"The moment has come for the local government to transparently investigate the reasons of the tragic incident...as opposed to muzzling those who raise appropriate concerns," stated the organization.

Background and Resident Profile

The housing estate was constructed in 1983 and had supplied close to 2,000 units for around 4,600 residents, based on a population count.

Nearly 40% of its occupants are believed to be at least 65 years of age. A number have been occupants of the public housing complex from its inception.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on record killed 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The deadliest was at a local racetrack in 1918, when in excess of 600 attendees perished.