Hong Kong’s Chief Executive announced on Tuesday that a judge-led committee will be established to investigate the causes behind the city’s deadliest fire in decades. The inquiry will also scrutinize the regulatory oversight regarding building renovations, which have been blamed for accelerating the blaze that claimed at least 156 lives.
In the wake of the disaster at the Wang Fuk Court complex, police have launched a criminal investigation, resulting in the arrest of 15 individuals on suspicion of manslaughter. Additionally, a separate corruption probe has led to 12 arrests. Authorities have not yet clarified whether there is any overlap between the individuals detained in these two inquiries.
Preliminary findings suggest that substandard plastic mesh and insulation foam, utilized during ongoing renovation work, acted as fuel for the fire. The inferno spread rapidly across seven of the estate's eight towers, endangering the lives of over 4,000 residents.
"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," Chief Executive John Lee stated during a press conference.
Search and recovery teams have finished sweeping most of the charred buildings, with only two towers remaining. Bodies were discovered in stairwells and on rooftops, indicating that many residents were trapped while attempting to escape the encroaching smoke and flames. Approximately 30 individuals remain unaccounted for.
The tragedy has sparked calls from some local groups for greater transparency and accountability. However, authorities have issued stern warnings against politicizing the incident.
Tensions have risen as a student activist was detained and subsequently released on bail, while local media report that two others are under investigation for potential sedition. Police have declined to comment on these specific cases.
Addressing these developments, Lee remarked, "I will not tolerate any crimes, particularly crimes that exploit the tragedy that we are facing now," though he did not elaborate on the details of the arrests.
International human rights organizations have interpreted these actions as a government effort to stifle dissent. "It's crucially important not to treat those demanding answers for the tragic fire as criminals," said Elaine Pearson, Asia director at Human Rights Watch.
Meanwhile, China’s national security office has cautioned against using the disaster to return Hong Kong to the instability seen during the 2019 pro-democracy protests. Despite the crisis, John Lee confirmed that the legislative elections scheduled for Sunday will proceed. The voter turnout—restricted to candidates vetted as "patriots"—may act as an indicator of public sentiment regarding the government's crisis management.
Safety Warnings Were Previously Dismissed
It has emerged that residents of Wang Fuk Court had previously flagged fire hazards associated with the renovations. According to the city’s Labour Department, residents raised concerns in September 2024, specifically regarding the flammability of the mesh used on bamboo scaffolding. At the time, authorities assured them the fire risks were "relatively low."
However, officials leading the current investigation revealed on Monday that tests conducted on mesh samples from the site failed to meet fire-retardant standards. They noted that contractors had installed these substandard materials in obscured, hard-to-reach areas, effectively concealing them from inspectors.
Further complicating the safety failures, authorities reported that foam insulation over windows contributed to the fire's intensity and that the complex's fire alarm system was malfunctioning.
Across the city, thousands have paid tribute to the victims, a group that includes nine domestic helpers from Indonesia and one from the Philippines. Vigils are also being organized internationally in London, Taipei, and Tokyo.
In central Hong Kong, a memorial service was held on Tuesday to observe the "soul return day," a Chinese tradition marking the seventh day after death. Hundreds gathered at a Kowloon funeral parlour to pray, weep, and burn lotus-shaped paper offerings meant to symbolize spiritual rebirth.
"I hope that people can release what’s in their hearts. That way, it will be easier for all of us to move forward in life," said Bryan Kam, the parlour’s general manager.
Recovery Efforts Continue in Damaged Towers
Search operations have now shifted to the most heavily damaged structures, a process authorities warn could take weeks. Police have released images of officers equipped with hazmat suits and helmets navigating water-logged rooms filled with ash and blackened debris.
Survivors are beginning the difficult process of rebuilding their lives. Authorities report that nearly 1,500 displaced residents have moved from evacuation centers to temporary housing, while another 945 are staying in hotels and youth hostels.
The toll on the community extends to their animals; the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals confirmed that over 60 pets died in the blaze, including 34 cats, 12 dogs, and seven turtles, though more than 200 animals were successfully rescued.
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Source: REUTERS
