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Hong Kong Leader Orders Probe into Deadly High-Rise Fire
Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, John Lee, has mandated the formation of an independent committee to investigate a devastating high-rise fire that claimed over 150 lives. The tragic blaze, which engulfed seven of the eight tower blocks at the Wang Fuk Court apartment complex in Tai Po, marks the city’s deadliest fire in more than seven decades.
The committee, to be spearheaded by a judge, will deliver a comprehensive report to Chief Executive Lee upon the conclusion of its investigation. Lee, who announced the panel’s creation during a press conference, stated that the government intends to utilize the findings to implement reforms in the city’s building management and maintenance protocols, aiming to avert similar catastrophes in the future. “I will make sure the committee works effectively and efficiently,” Lee affirmed, emphasizing his commitment to providing the committee with all necessary resources to fulfill its duties.
The inferno, which occurred on Wednesday, required over 2,000 firefighters two days to fully extinguish. Authorities have expressed concerns that the death toll may continue to rise.
Law enforcement officials have arrested 13 individuals on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the fire, including the directors of the construction company responsible for the towers’ construction. Initial investigations have revealed that protective netting and foam boards used on the buildings did not meet required flame retardant standards.
Woo Ying-ming, the commissioner of the Independent Commission Against Corruption, disclosed that these nets were procured from a local supplier after a typhoon damaged the original ones during the summer. Furthermore, fire officials have reported that the buildings’ fire alarms were not functioning effectively at the time of the incident.