🔗 Share this article

The city's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an autonomous task force to investigate the cause of a devastating fire that killed at least 151 people.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

On Wednesday last week, seven of eight tower blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—which had been undergoing major refurbishment—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that safety scaffolding mesh surrounding the buildings did not comply with fire safety regulations.

No fewer than 13 individuals have been arrested for alleged culpable homicide, including the directors of a contractor.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Changes are required. We have uncovered shortcomings in various phases. This is precisely the reason we must act seriously to ensure that all these loopholes are addressed," stated the leader.

Investigation and Aftermath

The inferno—which spread quickly both vertically and from building to building—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 subdue.

That very day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to collect forensic material. Authorities say the investigation could take several weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

A number of occupants have stated they did not hear a fire alarm when the incident broke out. The city's fire department discovered that warning systems in every tower were operating inadequately.

The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended construction activities on 30 private projects.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

In a related development, authorities are said to have arrested a 24-year-old man on suspicion of incitement on the weekend. He was among a collective demanding an separate review into the fire. An digital signature drive amassed more than 10,000 endorsements in less than a day before its page was taken down.

A pair of additional persons, comprising a ex-local representative, were also detained by authorities, per press accounts.

Global Response

The human rights organization and Human Rights Watch have both condemned the alleged detentions.

"The moment has come for the city's officials to thoroughly and publicly probe the origins of the tragic incident...instead of muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group.

Background and Resident Profile

The residential complex was built in the early 1980s and had provided 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 occupants, per a population count.

Nearly 40% of its occupants are thought to be at least 65 years old. Some have resided in the public housing complex from its inception.

Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on record killed 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was the result of a ground-floor explosion at a five-storey warehouse. The deadliest was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when over 600 individuals perished.