🔗 Share this article

Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an separate inquiry panel to probe the origins of a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 151 individuals.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

Last Wednesday, seven of eight apartment buildings at the estate—which was subject to significant upgrades—went up in flames. Authorities later discovered that protective netting used around the buildings fell short of flame retardant standards.

A minimum of 13 individuals have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, among them the senior figures of a construction company.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Changes are required. Yes, we have identified failures in various phases. 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 vertically and between the blocks—was only fully doused by the morning of Friday, some 40 hours after it started, and took in excess of 2,000 fire service personnel to contain.

The same day, police began entering the buildings to gather evidence. Authorities say the inquiry could last three to four weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Several residents have reported they failed to hear a smoke detector when the blaze erupted. Hong Kong's fire service discovered that detection devices in every tower were malfunctioning.

The city's construction authority has put on hold renovation projects on numerous private sites.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

In a related development, police reportedly detained a 24-year-old man on charges related to sedition on the weekend. He was among a gathering petitioning for an separate review into the fire. An internet-based appeal amassed more than 10,000 supporters in less than a day before its page was taken down.

A pair of additional persons, including a former district councillor, were also questioned by officers, as reported by news outlets.

International Reaction

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

"The moment has come for the city's officials to thoroughly and publicly probe the causes of the catastrophic blaze...rather than suppressing those who pose valid inquiries," stated the organization.

Background and Resident Profile

Wang Fuk Court was constructed in 1983 and had supplied close to 2,000 units for some 4,600 residents, per a 2021 government census.

Nearly 40% of its inhabitants are believed to be older than 65 years old. Several have been occupants of the government-supported development since its construction.

The city's second-worst blaze on record claimed 176 people in 1948 and was the result of a blast on the lower level at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at a local racetrack in 1918, when over 600 people died.