Hong Kong Chief Executive Orders Investigation into Tragic Inferno that Killed 151

Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an separate inquiry panel to investigate the cause of a devastating fire that killed at least 151 individuals.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

This past Wednesday, the majority of the apartment buildings at the Wang Fuk Court—that was in the midst of major refurbishment—were engulfed by fire. A probe subsequently revealed that safety scaffolding mesh installed on the buildings did not comply with requirements for fire resistance.

At least 13 people have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, including the directors of a contractor.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Reform is necessary. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. Hence we must take decisive action to ensure that all these deficiencies are addressed," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The fire—that propagated rapidly both upwards and between the blocks—was finally put out by the end of the week, around 40 hours after it ignited, and necessitated more than 2,000 emergency responders to contain.

On that day, police began entering the buildings to collect forensic material. Officials state the inquiry could last approximately a month.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Multiple inhabitants have reported they did not hear a smoke detector when the incident erupted. The city's fire department determined that detection devices in each building were not working effectively.

Hong Kong's buildings department has put on hold works on numerous private sites.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Separately, police reportedly detained a young man on suspicion of incitement on the weekend. He was involved with a gathering calling for an independent inquiry into the fire. An internet-based appeal collected in excess of 10,000 signatures in a very short time before its contents were wiped.

Another two individuals, among them a ex-local representative, were also questioned by officers, as reported by press accounts.

Global Response

The rights group and Human Rights Watch have both criticised the said apprehensions.

"The moment has come for the Hong Kong authorities to openly examine the reasons of the devastating fire...as opposed to suppressing those who pose valid inquiries," Amnesty International said.

Background and Resident Profile

The housing estate was completed in the early 1980s and had supplied 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 occupants, based on a population count.

Almost four in ten of its residents are estimated to be over 65 years of age. Some have been occupants of the subsidised housing estate since it was built.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on file took 176 people 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 more than 600 attendees died.