The city's Leader Orders Probe into Fatal Fire that Took 151
The city's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an autonomous task force to examine the reasons of a catastrophic blaze that claimed the lives of 151 residents.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
Last Wednesday, the majority of the residential blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—which was subject to major refurbishment—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that construction site netting installed on the buildings fell short of flame retardant standards.
No fewer than 13 suspects have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, among them the directors of a building firm.
"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a big fire. Changes are required. Failures have been detected in various phases. That is exactly why we must act seriously to make certain all these loopholes are plucked," stated the leader.
Investigation and Aftermath
The blaze—that propagated rapidly both upwards and from building to building—was finally put out by Friday morning, approximately two days after it started, and required over 2,000 fire service personnel to bring under control.
That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to gather evidence. Officials state the investigation could last three to four weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
A number of occupants have stated they did not hear a emergency siren when the incident broke out. The city's fire department determined that alarms in each building were operating inadequately.
The relevant regulatory body has put on hold construction activities on numerous private sites.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
Additionally, police reportedly detained a young man on suspicion of subversion on Saturday. He was among a gathering calling for an autonomous investigation into the fire. An digital signature drive collected more than 10,000 endorsements in under 24 hours before its information was removed.
A pair of additional persons, including a past council member, were also taken in by authorities, as reported by news outlets.
International Reaction
Amnesty International and Another watchdog have both criticised the said apprehensions.
"This is the occasion for the local government to openly examine the origins of the catastrophic blaze...as opposed to suppressing those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group.
Historical Context and Demographics
The residential complex was built in the early 1980s and had offered nearly two thousand flats for some 4,600 residents, based on a recent official survey.
Nearly 40% of its residents are estimated to be over 65 years of age. A number have resided in the subsidised housing estate from its inception.
The city's second-worst blaze on file took 176 lives in 1948 and was triggered by a ground-floor explosion at a commercial building. The most deadly was at a local racetrack in 1918, when more than 600 attendees died.
