The city's Chief Executive Directs Probe into Fatal Fire that Took 151
Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an separate inquiry panel to probe the origins of a catastrophic blaze that took a minimum of 151 individuals.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
On Wednesday last week, most of the apartment buildings at the housing complex—which had been undergoing significant upgrades—were engulfed by fire. Authorities later discovered that protective netting used around the buildings failed to meet requirements for fire resistance.
No fewer than 13 individuals have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, comprising the senior figures of a building firm.
"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a big fire. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in various phases. This is precisely the reason we must take decisive action to ensure that all these deficiencies are addressed," remarked Mr. Lee.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The blaze—which spread quickly both upwards and across the separate towers—was finally put out by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it ignited, and necessitated over 2,000 firefighters to contain.
That very day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. The government indicates the investigation could take several weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
Several residents have said they were not alerted by a smoke detector when the incident broke out. Local firefighters found that detection devices in every tower were operating inadequately.
Hong Kong's buildings department has temporarily suspended renovation projects on 30 private projects.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
In a related development, officers took into custody a individual on allegations of incitement on the weekend. He was involved with a group demanding an autonomous investigation into the tragedy. An digital signature drive amassed in excess of 10,000 supporters in a very short time before its contents were wiped.
A pair of additional persons, including a former district councillor, were also detained by authorities, as reported by local media reports.
International Reaction
The human rights organization and Human Rights Watch have both denounced the said apprehensions.
"This is the occasion for the city's officials to transparently investigate the reasons of the devastating fire...rather than silencing those who pose valid inquiries," Amnesty International said.
Historical Context and Demographics
The housing estate was constructed in 1983 and had offered 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 occupants, per a population count.
Almost four in ten of its occupants are estimated to be older than 65 years of age. Several have been occupants of the government-supported development from its inception.
The city's second-most fatal incident on file claimed 176 people in 1948 and was caused by a ground-floor explosion at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when in excess of 600 people lost their lives.
