🔗 Share this article

The city's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an autonomous task force to examine the reasons of a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 151 individuals.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

On Wednesday last week, seven of eight residential blocks at the estate—which was subject to major refurbishment—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that safety scaffolding mesh used around the buildings fell short of fire safety regulations.

At least 13 individuals have been taken into custody over suspected manslaughter, comprising the directors of a building firm.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Reform is necessary. Failures have been detected in multiple areas. This is precisely the reason we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these gaps are addressed," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—advancing with speed both upwards and from building to building—was not completely extinguished by Friday morning, approximately two days after it ignited, and took in excess of 2,000 firefighters to subdue.

That very day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. The government indicates the investigation could require approximately a month.

Shortcomings Uncovered

A number of occupants have stated they failed to hear a emergency siren when the blaze erupted. The city's fire department determined that alarms in all eight blocks were malfunctioning.

The city's construction authority has temporarily suspended works on 30 private projects.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

In a related development, police reportedly detained a individual on suspicion of incitement on Saturday. He was part of a group petitioning for an independent inquiry into the fire. An digital signature drive collected in excess of 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its information was removed.

Another two individuals, including a past council member, were also questioned by police, per press accounts.

Global Response

Amnesty International and Another watchdog have both denounced the alleged detentions.

"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to openly examine the origins of the tragic incident...rather than suppressing those who ask legitimate questions," stated the organization.

Background and Resident Profile

Wang Fuk Court was built in the early 1980s and had provided 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 inhabitants, based on a recent official survey.

Approximately 40 percent of its inhabitants are thought to be over 65 years old. Some have resided in the subsidised housing estate since its construction.

The city's second-deadliest fire on in history took 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was caused by a ground-floor explosion at a commercial building. The deadliest was at a sporting venue in 1918, when in excess of 600 attendees perished.