Hong Kong High-Rise Inferno: Death Toll Soars as Probe Uncovers Flaws and Arrests Mount

Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee has mandated the establishment of an independent committee to investigate the devastating high-rise fire that claimed the lives of at least 151 people. The catastrophic blaze, which engulfed seven of eight tower blocks at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex last Wednesday, marks the deadliest fire the city has experienced in over seven decades. Officials warn the death toll could still increase as recovery efforts continue.

Millenium TV has learned that the inferno, which spread rapidly both vertically and horizontally between the buildings, was fueled by protective netting used during extensive renovations that reportedly failed to meet flame retardant standards. The fire, which required over 2,000 firefighters to bring under control, raged for approximately 40 hours before being fully extinguished by Friday morning.

Authorities have initiated a widespread investigation, leading to the arrest of at least 13 individuals on suspicion of manslaughter, including directors of a construction company. Police began entering the affected buildings on Friday to gather evidence, with the investigation anticipated to span three to four weeks. Further compounding the tragedy, the fire service confirmed that alarm systems in all eight blocks were not functioning effectively when the blaze erupted. The city’s buildings department has since suspended work on 30 private construction projects.

Chief Executive Lee stated that the new committee, to be led by a judge, would spearhead “comprehensive reform” to “prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.” Addressing questions from reporters, Mr. Lee acknowledged the severity of the incident: “Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a big fire. Yes, we need reform. Yes, we have identified failures in different stages. That is exactly why we must act seriously to ensure that all these loopholes are plucked,” he explained, emphasizing the need for serious action.

Separately, law enforcement detained a 24-year-old man over the weekend on suspicion of sedition. He was reportedly part of a group advocating for an independent inquiry into the fire. An online petition calling for such an inquiry garnered more than 10,000 signatures in less than a day before its contents were removed. Sources tell Millenium TV that two other individuals, including a former district councillor, were also taken into custody. When questioned about these arrests, Chief Executive Lee did not directly address the specifics but underscored that “criminals that commit offences must be taken to justice,” adding, “I emphasise I will not tolerate any crimes, particularly crimes that exploit the tragedy that we are facing now.” International human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have since voiced criticism over these detentions, urging transparent investigation over silencing legitimate questions.

The Wang Fuk Court complex, constructed in 1983, housed approximately 4,600 residents in 1,984 apartments, according to a 2021 government census. Nearly 40% of its residents are estimated to be at least 65 years old, with some having lived in the subsidized housing estate since its inception.

This incident surpasses the city’s second-deadliest fire on record, which claimed 176 lives in 1948, and remains overshadowed only by the 1918 Happy Valley Racecourse fire that resulted in over 600 fatalities.