🔗 Share this article

The city's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an separate inquiry panel to examine the reasons of a tragic inferno that killed at least 151 people.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

On Wednesday last week, most of the residential blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—that was in the midst of significant upgrades—went up in flames. Authorities later discovered that construction site netting installed on the buildings fell short of requirements for fire resistance.

A minimum of 13 individuals have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, comprising the executives of a construction company.

"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a big fire. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in various phases. Hence we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these deficiencies are addressed," remarked Mr. Lee.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The blaze—which spread quickly both vertically and between the blocks—was not completely extinguished by the end of the week, around 40 hours after it ignited, and required in excess of 2,000 firefighters to contain.

That very day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the inquiry could take three to four weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Multiple inhabitants have reported they were not alerted by a emergency siren when the blaze started. Hong Kong's fire service determined that alarms in each building were operating inadequately.

The relevant regulatory body has halted for now construction activities on numerous private sites.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Separately, authorities are said to have arrested a 24-year-old man on allegations of sedition on the weekend. He was among a group demanding an separate review into the fire. An internet-based appeal collected in excess of 10,000 endorsements in under 24 hours before its information was removed.

Another two individuals, among them a ex-local representative, were also detained by officers, according to news outlets.

International Reaction

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both condemned the reported arrests.

"The moment has come for the local government to openly examine the causes of the tragic incident...rather than suppressing those who raise appropriate concerns," stated the organization.

Background and Resident Profile

The housing estate was constructed in the early 1980s and had offered close to 2,000 units for around 4,600 inhabitants, based on a 2021 government census.

Nearly 40% of its occupants are thought to be older than 65 years of age. A number have lived in the public housing complex since it was built.

The city's second-worst blaze on file killed 176 people in 1948 and was triggered by a ground-floor explosion at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at a sporting venue in 1918, when more than 600 attendees died.