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Hong Kong launches judicial inquiry into deadliest fire in 70 years
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee announced Tuesday the formation of an independent judicial committee to investigate the catastrophic fire at Wang Fuk Court housing complex that claimed at least 151 lives last Wednesday, marking the city's worst blaze since 1948.
The eight-tower public housing estate, built in 1983 and home to roughly 4,600 residents, was undergoing renovations when flames engulfed seven of its blocks. Investigators confirmed that protective netting surrounding the buildings failed to meet fire-retardant standards, accelerating the blaze's spread across exterior materials and between towers.
Firefighting efforts and ongoing recovery
Over 2,000 firefighters battled the inferno for 40 hours before fully extinguishing it on Friday morning. Authorities warned the death toll could climb as recovery operations continue. Police began collecting evidence from the charred structures the same day, with officials estimating the investigation may require three to four weeks.
Residents reported malfunctioning fire alarms across all eight blocks, a claim corroborated by Hong Kong's fire service. The buildings department has since halted work on 30 private construction projects pending safety reviews.
Arrests and calls for accountability
Thirteen individuals, including directors of the construction firm overseeing renovations, face manslaughter charges. Separately, police detained a 24-year-old man Saturday on sedition allegations after he joined a petition-signed by over 10,000 people in under 24 hours-demanding an independent inquiry. Two others, including a former district councillor, were also reportedly arrested.
When questioned Tuesday about the sedition arrests, Lee deflected, stating only that "criminals committing offenses must face justice." He later emphasized zero tolerance for "exploiting this tragedy," without addressing the petitioners' demands directly.
"Now is the time for transparent investigation... not silencing those asking legitimate questions," Amnesty International stated in a rebuking the arrests. Human Rights Watch echoed the criticism.
Systemic failures and reform pledges
At a press conference, Lee acknowledged "failures at different stages" but avoided answering whether he should resign. "This is a tragedy. We need reform," he said, pledging to "plug all loopholes" to prevent future disasters. The judicial committee will propose "comprehensive reforms," though specifics remain unclear.
The complex, where nearly 40% of residents are aged 65 or older, had 1,984 subsidized apartments. Some tenants had lived there since its construction, raising concerns about evacuation challenges among elderly populations.
Historical context and next steps
Hong Kong's deadliest fire occurred in 1918 at Happy Valley Racecourse (600+ fatalities), followed by a 1948 warehouse explosion (176 deaths). Authorities have not yet confirmed the Wang Fuk Court fire's origin but cited the rapid upward and lateral spread via flammable exterior materials as a focal point for the inquiry.
The committee's timeline and public hearings have not been announced. Meanwhile, displaced residents await relocation as structural assessments continue.
