🔗 Share this article

The city's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an separate inquiry panel to examine the reasons of a tragic inferno that claimed the lives of 151 people.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

This past Wednesday, the majority of the residential blocks at the estate—which was subject to significant upgrades—went up in flames. Authorities later discovered that safety scaffolding mesh installed on the buildings failed to meet flame retardant standards.

At least 13 suspects have been taken into custody over alleged culpable homicide, including the executives of a building firm.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, the fire was immense. Changes are required. We have uncovered shortcomings in various phases. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these gaps are addressed," he said.

Investigation and Aftermath

The inferno—that propagated rapidly both vertically and across the separate towers—was finally put out by Friday morning, around 40 hours after it ignited, and necessitated in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to bring under control.

The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the investigation could require three to four weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Several residents have reported they were not alerted by a emergency siren when the blaze started. Hong Kong's fire service determined that detection devices in all eight blocks were not working effectively.

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

Demands for Probe and Detentions

In a related development, police reportedly detained a 24-year-old man on suspicion of incitement on the weekend. He was part of a collective demanding an independent inquiry into the fire. An digital signature drive collected over 10,000 endorsements in less than a day before its page was taken down.

Another two individuals, including a former district councillor, were also detained by authorities, as reported by local media reports.

Global Response

The human rights organization and Another watchdog have both denounced the alleged detentions.

"The moment has come for the city's officials to transparently investigate the causes of the tragic incident...as opposed to suppressing those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group.

Background and Resident Profile

Wang Fuk Court was completed in 1983 and had supplied 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 occupants, per a population count.

Almost four in ten of its occupants are estimated to be over 65 years of age. A number have resided in the government-supported development from its inception.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on record killed 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was the result of a ground-floor explosion at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at a local racetrack in 1918, when over 600 attendees lost their lives.