🔗 Share this article

The city's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an independent committee to investigate the cause of a tragic inferno that took a minimum of 151 residents.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

On Wednesday last week, the majority of the residential blocks at the housing complex—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. A probe subsequently revealed that protective netting surrounding the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards.

At least 13 individuals have been arrested for potential negligent homicide, among them the executives of a contractor.

"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Changes are required. Yes, we have identified failures in multiple areas. That is exactly why we must take decisive action to make certain all these gaps are addressed," he said.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—that propagated rapidly both vertically and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, some 40 hours after it ignited, and required over 2,000 fire service personnel to bring under control.

That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to gather evidence. The government indicates the investigation could last approximately a month.

Systemic Failures Identified

Several residents have reported they did not hear a emergency siren when the blaze broke out. Local firefighters determined that alarms in each building were not working effectively.

The relevant regulatory body has halted for now construction activities on three dozen private developments.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Separately, police reportedly detained a individual on allegations of subversion on the weekend. He was involved with a group demanding an separate review into the blaze. An digital signature drive amassed more than 10,000 supporters in a very short time before its contents were wiped.

Another two individuals, including a ex-local representative, were also detained by police, per local media reports.

Global Response

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

"Now is the time for the city's officials to transparently investigate the reasons of the tragic incident...rather than muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group.

Historical Context and Demographics

Wang Fuk Court was built in 1983 and had supplied nearly two thousand flats for some 4,600 occupants, according to a population count.

Almost four in ten of its occupants are estimated to be at least 65 years old. A number have been occupants of the public housing complex since it was built.

The city's second-most fatal incident on file claimed 176 people in 1948 and was triggered by a detonation at street level at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at a local racetrack in 1918, when over 600 individuals perished.