Hong Kong Leader Directs Probe into Fatal Fire that Took 151
Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an independent committee to examine the reasons of a tragic inferno that killed at least 151 people.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
This past Wednesday, seven of eight residential blocks at the housing complex—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that construction site netting surrounding the buildings did not comply with requirements for fire resistance.
No fewer than 13 people have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, among them the directors of a construction company.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, the fire was immense. Changes are required. We have uncovered shortcomings in multiple areas. That is exactly why we must take decisive action to make certain all these loopholes are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The inferno—which spread quickly both vertically and from building to building—was only fully doused by the end of the week, around 40 hours after it started, and necessitated in excess of 2,000 fire service personnel to bring under control.
On that day, police began entering the buildings to secure proof. The government indicates the probe could last three to four weeks.
Systemic Failures Identified
Multiple inhabitants have stated they were not alerted by a emergency siren when the blaze erupted. Local firefighters determined that warning systems in all eight blocks were not working effectively.
Hong Kong's buildings department has put on hold construction activities on numerous private sites.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
In a related development, authorities are said to have arrested a 24-year-old man on charges related to incitement on Saturday. He was among a collective petitioning for an independent inquiry into the tragedy. An digital signature drive collected in excess of 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its contents were wiped.
Another two individuals, among them a ex-local representative, were also detained by officers, as reported by press accounts.
Global Response
The rights group and The monitoring body have both criticised the reported arrests.
"The moment has come for the local government to thoroughly and publicly probe the causes of the catastrophic blaze...rather than suppressing those who pose valid inquiries," stated the organization.
Historical Context and Demographics
The housing estate was built in the early 1980s and had offered 1,984 apartments for approximately 4,600 occupants, based on a recent official survey.
Almost four in ten of its residents are estimated to be over 65 years of age. Some have lived in the subsidised housing estate since it was built.
Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on record took 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was caused by a detonation at street level at a five-storey warehouse. The deadliest was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when over 600 individuals died.
