🔗 Share this article

Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an independent committee to probe the origins of a tragic inferno that claimed the lives of 151 people.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

On Wednesday last week, most of the residential blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—which was subject to significant upgrades—were consumed by a blaze. A probe subsequently revealed that construction site netting used around the buildings did not comply with fire safety regulations.

A minimum of 13 individuals have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, among them the executives of a building firm.

"This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in multiple areas. This is precisely the reason we must respond rigorously to make certain all these deficiencies are eliminated," he said.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—which spread quickly both upwards and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by the end of the week, around 40 hours after it began, and necessitated more than 2,000 emergency responders to bring under control.

That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to gather evidence. The government indicates the probe could last approximately a month.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Multiple inhabitants have stated they did not hear a smoke detector when the blaze erupted. The city's fire department found that warning systems in all eight blocks were malfunctioning.

Hong Kong's buildings department has halted for now renovation projects on three dozen private developments.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

In a related development, police reportedly detained a 24-year-old man on allegations of incitement on Saturday. He was among a collective calling for an independent inquiry into the blaze. An internet-based appeal amassed in excess of 10,000 supporters in a very short time before its page was taken down.

A pair of additional persons, comprising a former district councillor, were also detained by officers, according to local media reports.

Global Response

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both denounced the said apprehensions.

"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly and publicly probe the reasons of the devastating fire...rather than muzzling those who raise appropriate concerns," remarked the group.

Background and Resident Profile

Wang Fuk Court was completed in 1983 and had supplied 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 inhabitants, based on a recent official survey.

Nearly 40% of its residents are estimated to be over 65 years old. Several have resided in the government-supported development since it was built.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on file took 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was caused by a detonation at street level at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at a local racetrack in 1918, when in excess of 600 individuals died.