Hong Kong Leader Orders Investigation into Fatal Blaze that Took 151
Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an separate inquiry panel to probe the origins of a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 151 individuals.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
Last Wednesday, the majority of the tower blocks at the estate—which had been undergoing significant upgrades—were engulfed by fire. Authorities later discovered that safety scaffolding mesh installed on the buildings failed to meet fire safety regulations.
No fewer than 13 individuals have been taken into custody over alleged culpable homicide, comprising the executives of a contractor.
"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a big fire. Reform is necessary. Failures have been detected in multiple areas. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these loopholes are addressed," stated the leader.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The inferno—which spread quickly both upwards and between the blocks—was only fully doused by the end of the week, around 40 hours after it ignited, and took over 2,000 emergency responders to subdue.
On that day, authorities started accessing the buildings to gather evidence. The government indicates the inquiry could take several weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
Several residents have stated they did not hear a fire alarm when the incident erupted. The city's fire department found that warning systems in every tower were malfunctioning.
The city's construction authority has put on hold works on three dozen private developments.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
Separately, police reportedly detained a 24-year-old man on charges related to incitement on Saturday. He was part of a collective demanding an independent inquiry into the fire. An internet-based appeal amassed in excess of 10,000 endorsements in a very short time before its page was taken down.
Another two individuals, including a ex-local representative, were also taken in by police, according to local media reports.
Global Response
The rights group and Another watchdog have both denounced the reported arrests.
"The moment has come for the Hong Kong authorities to openly examine the causes of the catastrophic blaze...rather than suppressing those who pose valid inquiries," stated the organization.
Background and Resident Profile
The residential complex was completed in 1983 and had supplied nearly two thousand flats for around 4,600 inhabitants, according to a recent official survey.
Almost four in ten of its occupants are estimated to be over 65 years old. Some have been occupants of the government-supported development from its inception.
Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on file took 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was the result of a detonation at street level at a multi-story storage facility. The most deadly was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when over 600 attendees lost their lives.
