🔗 Share this article

Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an separate inquiry panel to examine the reasons of a devastating fire that killed at least 151 people.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

Last Wednesday, the majority of the residential blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—which had been undergoing significant upgrades—were consumed by a blaze. A probe subsequently revealed that safety scaffolding mesh used around the buildings fell short of fire safety regulations.

A minimum of 13 people have been arrested for potential negligent homicide, including the executives of a contractor.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a big fire. Reform is necessary. Failures have been detected in various phases. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these loopholes are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The inferno—advancing with speed both upwards and from building to building—was finally put out by Friday morning, around 40 hours after it started, and necessitated over 2,000 fire service personnel to bring under control.

That very day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to collect forensic material. Authorities say the probe could last approximately a month.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Multiple inhabitants have said they did not hear a emergency siren when the fire started. The city's fire department found that warning systems in each building were operating inadequately.

The city's construction authority has halted for now renovation projects on three dozen private developments.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Separately, officers took into custody a individual on charges related to sedition on Saturday. He was involved with a gathering petitioning for an separate review into the blaze. An internet-based appeal amassed in excess of 10,000 signatures in a very short time before its page was taken down.

Another two individuals, among them a former district councillor, were also questioned by police, as reported by news outlets.

Global Response

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

"Now is the time for the city's officials to openly examine the causes of the tragic incident...as opposed to silencing those who raise appropriate concerns," stated the organization.

Historical Context and Demographics

Wang Fuk Court was completed in the early 1980s and had supplied nearly two thousand flats for approximately 4,600 occupants, per a 2021 government census.

Approximately 40 percent of its residents are estimated to be at least 65 years of age. Some have resided in the subsidised housing estate from its inception.

Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on record took 176 people in 1948 and was the result of a ground-floor explosion at a multi-story storage facility. The most deadly was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 people died.