Hong Kong Fire: At Least 156 Dead, Authorities Announce 'Independent' Investigation
The leader of Hong Kong announced on Tuesday the formation of an "independent committee" to investigate the causes of the fire that devastated a residential complex last week, resulting in at least 156 deaths.
According to authorities, the flames spread rapidly through nets used on scaffolding that did not meet fire safety standards.
The fire ravaged five of the seven towers in the Wang Fuk Court residential complex, which was under renovation in the northern suburbs of the city, forcing thousands of people to evacuate their homes.
Of the 156 deceased, 29 have yet to be identified, police reported on Tuesday evening to journalists. About thirty people are still reported missing.
Hong Kong's anti-corruption agency and the police, who are conducting a joint investigation into the fire—the worst the territory has seen since 1948—have arrested 15 individuals suspected of manslaughter.
"I will establish an independent committee tasked with conducting a thorough and comprehensive investigation to reform the construction system and prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future," announced Chief Executive John Lee, adding that the committee will be chaired by a judge.
As Hong Kong grapples with deep sorrow, local media reported the arrest of several individuals demanding answers and justice.
Icy Luo, a 27-year-old resident who came to pray for the victims, told AFP that "the truth about this matter is still far from being fully established."
- "Transparent Investigation" -
Miles Kwan, a 24-year-old student who, along with others, initiated a petition demanding accountability after the fire, was arrested by police for "seditious intent."
The online petition, which garnered over 10,000 signatures in less than a day, has been taken down. An AFP journalist saw Miles Kwan leaving the Cheung Sha Wan district police station in a taxi on Monday.
Two other individuals, including former district councilor Kenneth Cheung, have also been arrested by the police, according to local media. Kenneth Cheung stated on Facebook on Monday that he was released on bail.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) urged the Hong Kong government on Tuesday to "ensure a transparent investigation and establish accountability."
"It is crucial not to treat those seeking answers after this tragic fire as criminals," said Elaine Pearson, director of HRW's Asia division, emphasizing that the disaster "raises serious concerns" about Beijing's influence in Hong Kong.
When questioned about the arrests, Mr. Lee told AFP that he would "tolerate no crime, particularly not those who exploit the tragedy we are going through."
- "Inquiry Commissions" -
Hong Kong, a Chinese territory with special status, has a legal mechanism for establishing "inquiry commissions," typically led by judges to address complex issues, a practice inherited from the British colonial era.
On Tuesday, John Lee used the term "independent committee" instead.
The leader told AFP that authorities had identified several failures and that reforms would be necessary regarding safety, supervision, construction, and maintenance standards.
"The perpetrators attempted to mix non-compliant nets with compliant ones to deceive inspection bodies and law enforcement," claimed John Lee.
Hong Kong, handed back to China by the UK in 1997, has seen Beijing tighten control with a strict national security law enacted in 2020 in response to pro-democracy protests.
Last year, a law increased the sentence for sedition to seven years. Since early November, Hong Kong has arrested 348 individuals for various national security-related offenses and has convicted 172.
- "More Importance" -
Near the towers, walls, poles, and benches have been covered with notes bearing messages of support, a method used during the pro-democracy protests of 2019.
Several families visited Wang Fuk Court on Monday to begin traditional funeral rites, which are expected to continue into Tuesday.
A 30-year-old woman cried as she wrote her condolences on a small piece of paper.
"It is absolutely necessary to conduct an investigation to determine responsibilities, including those of government officials," she told AFP, expressing skepticism about such an inquiry under Beijing's oversight. "The views of Hongkongers, in her opinion, no longer matter, as the government has very strong support."