The city's Chief Executive Directs Probe into Tragic Blaze that Killed 151

The city's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an separate inquiry panel to examine the reasons of a tragic inferno that claimed the lives of 151 individuals.

Video depicts rapid pace of flames advancing in Hong Kong tower block.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

On Wednesday last week, the majority of the apartment buildings at the Wang Fuk Court—which had been undergoing significant upgrades—went up in flames. Authorities later discovered that protective netting surrounding the buildings did not comply with fire safety regulations.

At least 13 people have been detained on suspicion of alleged culpable homicide, among them the senior figures of a building firm.

"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Changes are required. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. This is precisely the reason we must respond rigorously to make certain all these deficiencies are plucked," he said.

Investigation and Aftermath

The inferno—that propagated rapidly both vertically and between the blocks—was finally put out by the morning of Friday, around 40 hours after it started, and required more than 2,000 fire service personnel to subdue.

On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to collect forensic material. Authorities say the inquiry could require three to four weeks.

This blaze is the most fatal the city has seen in exceeding 70 decades.

Shortcomings Uncovered

A number of occupants have stated they failed to hear a emergency siren when the incident broke out. Hong Kong's fire service discovered that alarms in every tower were not working effectively.

The relevant regulatory body has halted for now works on three dozen private developments.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Additionally, police reportedly detained a 24-year-old man on allegations of incitement on the weekend. He was among a collective calling for an independent inquiry into the tragedy. An online petition gathered over 10,000 endorsements in under 24 hours before its information was removed.

Another two individuals, comprising a past council member, were also questioned by officers, per news outlets.

The city's leader John Lee stated that the task force would be led by a judicial officer.

International Reaction

The rights group and The monitoring body have both criticised the said apprehensions.

"The moment has come for the local government to transparently investigate the origins of the catastrophic blaze...as opposed to suppressing those who raise appropriate concerns," Amnesty International said.

Historical Context and Demographics

The housing estate was constructed in 1983 and had supplied nearly two thousand flats for around 4,600 inhabitants, according to a recent official survey.

Almost four in ten of its residents are thought to be older than 65 years of age. Several have been occupants of the subsidised housing estate since it was built.

Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on record claimed 176 lives in 1948 and was triggered by a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The deadliest was at a sporting venue in 1918, when over 600 people lost their lives.

Robert Martin
Robert Martin

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