Independent Inquiry Launched into Hong Kong's Deadly Fire
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee has announced the formation of an independent committee to investigate the cause and handling of the devastating fire at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Tai Po district. The blaze, which claimed the lives of at least 151 people and injured nearly 80, is the deadliest the city has seen in decades. Lee pledged to overcome any vested interests in the pursuit of accountability.
"In order to avoid similar tragedies again, I will set up a judge-led independent committee to examine the reason behind the cause and rapid spreading (of the fire) and related issues," Lee stated, emphasizing the need to uncover the truth and reform the building renovation system.
Focus on Substandard Materials and Negligence
The fire, which erupted last Wednesday, is suspected to have spread rapidly due to high winds and the use of substandard plastic mesh and insulation foam during ongoing renovations. Authorities believe that contractors may have deliberately mixed substandard materials with authorized ones to deceive inspectors. Additionally, reports indicate that fire alarms at the complex were not functioning correctly.
Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan revealed that contractors had used substandard materials in areas difficult to inspect, further contributing to the tragedy. Investigations are ongoing, with police having arrested 13 people for suspected manslaughter and an anticorruption body arresting 12 others in connection to the fire.
Arrests Spark Concerns Over Free Speech
Amidst widespread grief and calls for accountability, concerns have arisen regarding the arrest of individuals who were demanding government action. Miles Kwan, a 24-year-old student, was reportedly arrested for "seditious intent" after distributing flyers calling for a review of construction oversight. Although Kwan was later released, his arrest, along with that of others, has drawn criticism from human rights organizations.
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have issued statements condemning the arrests, urging the Hong Kong authorities to prioritize a transparent investigation over silencing dissent. "Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to transparently investigate the causes of the devastating fire… rather than silencing those who ask legitimate questions," Amnesty International stated.
China Warns Against Exploiting Tragedy
China's national security office has issued a stern warning against those who might attempt to use the disaster to destabilize Hong Kong. The office cautioned against any attempts to "disrupt Hong Kong through disaster," vowing to hold accountable and strictly punish any such actors.
The Wang Fuk Court fire has exposed critical issues related to building safety, oversight, and the accountability of contractors. The independent investigation promises to shed light on the failures that led to this tragedy, but the arrests of those demanding action have raised concerns about the limits of free speech in Hong Kong.
