HONG KONG —Hong Kong has established an independent committee led by a judge to investigate the cause of a devastating apartment block fire that has killed at least 156 people and left dozens missing. The move follows mounting public pressure for transparency and accountability.
Chief Executive John Lee announced the probe on Tuesday, saying the committee will identify what went wrong and recommend reforms to prevent similar disasters. He vowed to confront vested interests and push for systemic change in the city’s construction industry.
Authorities said the fire erupted last Wednesday around scaffolding at the Wang Fuk Court complex in Tai Po. The blaze quickly spread to seven of the estate’s eight towers, which housed more than 4,600 residents. Many survivors are now homeless, and 40 injured victims remain in hospitals.
Investigators are examining why the fire spread so rapidly and how it overwhelmed firefighting efforts. At least 15 people have been arrested by the city’s anti corruption agency and police, including scaffolding contractors, company directors and an engineering consultant. The arrests relate to suspected corruption and negligence linked to ongoing renovation work.
Officials revealed that contractors used substandard netting on the building. Of 20 netting samples collected, seven failed safety standards. Lee said some parties mixed inferior materials with approved ones to deceive inspectors.
Survivors expressed support for the independent inquiry. May Liang, who lost all her belongings after the blaze broke out while she and her husband were at lunch, said residents deserve clear answers. “Everyone wants to know the truth,” she said.
Lee declined to comment on reports that several people were arrested over the weekend in what critics called an attempt to curb government criticism. One person involved in a petition urging accountability was reportedly detained on suspicion of inciting sedition. Lee said only that he would not tolerate crimes that exploit the tragedy.
Experts say the credibility of the investigation will be essential. John Burns, honorary professor of politics and public administration at the University of Hong Kong, said transparency will be key to restoring trust.
Officials report that about 2,500 displaced residents have moved into transitional housing, including government units, hostels and hotels. Around 20 people remain in temporary shelters that accommodated hundreds on the first night after the fire.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
