The city's Chief Executive Directs Investigation into Deadly Fire that Took 151
The city's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an independent committee to investigate the cause of a devastating fire that took a minimum of 151 residents.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
Last Wednesday, most of the tower blocks at the housing complex—which was subject to extensive renovations—were engulfed by fire. Investigators have since found that safety scaffolding mesh surrounding the buildings fell short of requirements for fire resistance.
No fewer than 13 suspects have been arrested for alleged culpable homicide, comprising the senior figures of a construction company.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, the fire was immense. Reform is necessary. We have uncovered shortcomings in various phases. This is precisely the reason we must act seriously to guarantee all these deficiencies are eliminated," remarked Mr. Lee.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The blaze—advancing with speed both upwards and across the separate towers—was only fully doused by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it started, and required in excess of 2,000 firefighters to contain.
That very day, police began entering the buildings to collect forensic material. The government indicates the inquiry could take three to four weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
Several residents have stated they were not alerted by a fire alarm when the incident erupted. Local firefighters determined that detection devices in every tower were not working effectively.
Hong Kong's buildings department has temporarily suspended works on three dozen private developments.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a 24-year-old man on suspicion of subversion on Saturday. He was among a group petitioning for an autonomous investigation into the tragedy. An online petition collected more than 10,000 signatures in a very short time before its page was taken down.
Another two individuals, comprising a former district councillor, were also taken in by officers, per local media reports.
Global Response
Amnesty International and The monitoring body have both denounced the said apprehensions.
"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to openly examine the causes of the devastating fire...rather than muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group.
Historical Context and Demographics
The residential complex was built in the early 1980s and had offered nearly two thousand flats for around 4,600 occupants, according to a recent official survey.
Nearly 40% of its occupants are estimated to be at least 65 years of age. Some have been occupants of the subsidised housing estate since its construction.
Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on record claimed 176 people in 1948 and was the result of a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The most deadly was at a local racetrack in 1918, when over 600 attendees lost their lives.
