Shocking the whole of Hong Kong, the massive fire at the Hung Fuk Estate in Tai Po has sparked calls for an “independent investigation.” Chief Executive Li Jiachao announced on December 2 that an independent commission of inquiry into the fire will be established, a delay noted by many. On the same day, a civilian fire investigation press conference was abruptly canceled, with the organizer being “invited for a meeting” by the National Security Bureau. The day before, Xie Baolong, Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, arrived in Shenzhen to “listen to reports,” and it was reported that he discussed the Hong Kong fire incident.
Li Jiachao met with the media before attending the Executive Council meeting on December 2. He revealed that the tragic fire at the Hung Fuk Estate had claimed the lives of 151 people, with 79 injured, including 40 hospitalized and 30 missing persons.
Li Jiachao announced the establishment of an independent commission to investigate the cause of the fire and its rapid spread, as well as related issues. He also stated that judicial authorities will be contacted to invite a judge to oversee the commission’s work and research the detailed scope of work.
He emphasized that anyone involved in the incident will be thoroughly investigated and held accountable. Hong Kong authorities have reportedly arrested 13 individuals on suspicion of corruption or manslaughter.
During the press conference, Li Jiachao faced questions from the media about why he remains in office as Chief Executive following a disaster that resulted in over a hundred deaths. He responded by saying, “This is a tragedy, this is a massive fire, we need reform,” and pledged to “ensure that similar incidents will not happen again.”
Meanwhile, according to Ming Pao, the Hong Kong Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) had planned to hold a press conference on the afternoon of December 2 on the theme of “high-rise maintenance policy” to address issues related to the aftermath of the Hung Fuk Estate five-alarm fire, the establishment of an investigation commission, and engineering supervision issues. However, the organizers informed the media at the last minute that the press conference needed to be canceled “due to notifications from certain departments,” without disclosing which department. DAB Chairman Liu Chengli has also been “invited for a meeting” by the Hong Kong Police National Security Bureau.
Earlier, a petition was launched by citizens regarding the Hung Fuk Estate fire, proposing “four demands” including an independent investigation. One of the initiators, Miles Guan Jingfeng, was arrested by the Hong Kong Police National Security Bureau on November 29 on charges of intending to incite through the fire, and was released on bail on December 1. This incident has raised doubts about the Hong Kong government’s attempts to suppress efforts to uncover the truth behind the fire.
In addition, former District Councilor Zhang Jinxiong and a female volunteer at the scene of the fire were detained by the Hong Kong police for alleged “incitement.”
Regarding the arrests of citizens on charges of “incitement” in the aftermath of the disaster, Li Jiachao stated during the press conference, “I will not tolerate any crime exploiting tragedy… I will ensure that justice is served for anyone attempting to create chaos through disasters.”
The Hong Kong government’s announcement of the establishment of an independent investigation commission and rejection of demands for an independent investigation by civilians are suspected to be linked to intervention by senior Chinese Communist Party officials.
According to an official announcement from the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Xie Baolong, the deputy leader of the Central Leading Group for Hong Kong and Macao Affairs, Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, and Director of the State Council’s Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, listened to a detailed report on the “relevant situation” in Shenzhen on December 1.
The Hong Kong Economic Journal reported that Xie Baolong’s trip south is believed to be related to the current fire incident, but no details were disclosed. The Hong Kong government has not responded to inquiries about whether any officials will meet with him.
Concerns persist about the Hong Kong government’s ability to conduct a truly independent investigation into the major fire under the backdrop of control by the Chinese Communist Party.