HONG KONG (AP) – Hong Kong is set to establish an independent commission of inquiry led by a judge to investigate the causes of a devastating apartment block fire that claimed at least 151 lives. This announcement was made by Chief Executive John Lee during a media briefing on Tuesday, where he emphasized the necessity of accountability and promised to confront entrenched interests.
During the 30-minute media appearance, which was heavily focused on the tragic event, Lee stated, "We must uncover the truth, ensure that justice is served, let the deceased rest in peace, and provide comfort to the living." The deadly fire erupted in the Wang Fuk Court complex, where scaffolding was installed for maintenance operations, ultimately spreading to seven of the eight towers within the complex. This residential area housed over 4,600 individuals, many of whom have now been left without homes.
The preliminary investigation into the fire is exploring why it escalated so quickly, hindered the efforts of firefighters, and resulted in such a catastrophic outcome. Authorities reported that high winds compounded the problem; additionally, they discovered the use of substandard materials during the maintenance work. These included highly flammable foam panels that were improperly used to seal windows and non-compliant green netting meant to surround the scaffolding, which is mandated to be flame-retardant.
Lee further revealed that responsible parties had allegedly mixed substandard netting with compliant materials to evade inspection processes. In response to the disaster, the police along with the city's anti-corruption authorities have detained 14 individuals, which includes directors and an engineering consultant associated with a construction firm. Of those detained, thirteen have been arrested under suspicions of manslaughter for their potential roles in the tragedy.
The fire has sensationally raised questions about building safety standards and regulatory enforcement in Hong Kong, igniting public outrage and demands for accountability. As the inquiry commences, the government aims not only to understand the circumstances that led to the inferno but also to ensure that measures are put in place to prevent such a disaster from happening in the future.
With public safety at the forefront of this inquiry, the residents and families of the victims are hopeful that justice will prevail, and that necessary changes will be implemented to secure the safety of all citizens living in high-density environments.
