HONG KONG (AP) – In response to a devastating apartment block fire that has claimed at least 151 lives, Hong Kong will establish an independent commission of inquiry to investigate the causes of the tragedy. The commission will be led by a judge and is tasked with uncovering the truth behind the fire while also making recommendations to prevent future occurrences. Chief Executive John Lee announced this initiative during a press briefing on Tuesday, emphasizing the need for accountability and justice.
Lee, who has vowed to tackle entrenched interests, described the fire as a shocking event for the city. He stated, “We must uncover the truth, ensure that justice is served, let the deceased rest in peace and provide comfort to the living.” His comments came in a 30-minute media session that focused primarily on the aftermath of the tragic incident, which has left many residents grieving and affected.
The fire broke out at the Wang Fuk Court complex, where scaffolding had been erected for maintenance work. The blaze ignited in the scaffolding and rapidly spread across seven of the eight towers within the complex, which houses over 4,600 residents. Following the incident, many families have found themselves without homes and facing significant emotional and psychological challenges.
Initial investigations into the fire have sought to determine why it intensified so quickly, overpowering firefighting efforts. Authorities have pointed to several contributing factors, including high winds and the use of substandard materials in the maintenance work. Specifically, they have identified highly flammable foam panels that were used to block windows, and non-compliant green netting that failed to meet flame-retardant requirements. This netting was hung around the scaffolding and is believed to have played a significant role in the fire's rapid spread.
In his statements, Chief Executive Lee revealed that those responsible for the construction work had deliberately mixed substandard netting with compliant materials to deceive inspectors. This act of negligence has aggravated concerns about safety measures in high-density residential buildings.
In connection with the fire, local police and anti-corruption agencies have already taken action by detaining 14 individuals, including top executives and an engineering consultant from the construction company involved. Thirteen of these individuals have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, reflecting the serious legal implications that accompany this tragic event.
The establishment of the independent commission reflects a broader push for regulatory reform and greater oversight in building safety practices following this catastrophic incident. As Hong Kong grapples with the fallout from this disaster, the emotional scars left on the community will likely be profound and long-lasting. The government’s commitment to accountability and transparency will be closely watched as investigations unfold.
