🔗 Share this article

Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an autonomous task force to investigate the cause of a tragic inferno that took a minimum of 151 people.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

This past Wednesday, the majority of the tower blocks at the estate—which was subject to major refurbishment—went up in flames. A probe subsequently revealed that safety scaffolding mesh surrounding the buildings did not comply with requirements for fire resistance.

A minimum of 13 suspects have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, among them the executives of a building firm.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a big fire. Yes, we need reform. Failures have been detected in multiple areas. That is exactly why we must take decisive action to guarantee all these deficiencies are addressed," he said.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—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 began, and necessitated more than 2,000 emergency responders to bring under control.

The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to gather evidence. Officials state the inquiry could require three to four weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

A number of occupants have said they did not hear a fire alarm when the incident started. Local firefighters found that warning systems in all eight blocks were not working effectively.

Hong Kong's buildings department has halted for now renovation projects on numerous private sites.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

In a related development, authorities are said to have arrested a 24-year-old man on suspicion of subversion on the weekend. He was involved with a group demanding an autonomous investigation into the fire. An digital signature drive gathered more than 10,000 signatures in less than a day before its information was removed.

Another two individuals, among them a ex-local representative, were also questioned by police, according to press accounts.

Global Response

Amnesty International and Another watchdog have both criticised the said apprehensions.

"The moment has come for the city's officials to openly examine the causes of the tragic incident...rather than silencing those who ask legitimate questions," Amnesty International said.

Background and Resident Profile

Wang Fuk Court was constructed in the early 1980s and had supplied close to 2,000 units for some 4,600 inhabitants, according to a population count.

Approximately 40 percent of its occupants are believed to be older than 65 years of age. Several have resided in the government-supported development since it was built.

Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on in history killed 176 individuals in 1948 and was the result of a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The deadliest was at a sporting venue in 1918, when over 600 attendees died.