Hong Kong Leader Orders Probe into Deadly Inferno that Took 151
The city's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an independent committee to investigate the cause of a catastrophic blaze that took a minimum of 151 residents.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
This past Wednesday, the majority of the tower blocks at the estate—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that safety scaffolding mesh installed on the buildings failed to meet requirements for fire resistance.
No fewer than 13 people have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, among them the executives of a building firm.
"It is a terrible 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 ensure that all these gaps are plucked," stated the leader.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The blaze—that propagated rapidly both upwards and between the blocks—was not completely extinguished by the end of the week, approximately two days after it ignited, and required more than 2,000 firefighters to bring under control.
On that day, authorities started accessing the buildings to gather evidence. Authorities say the probe could last approximately a month.
Systemic Failures Identified
Multiple inhabitants have stated they failed to hear a smoke detector when the incident started. Hong Kong's fire service discovered that detection devices in all eight blocks were malfunctioning.
Hong Kong's buildings department has halted for now construction activities on three dozen private developments.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
Separately, police reportedly detained a 24-year-old man on allegations of incitement on Saturday. He was among a collective calling for an separate review into the fire. An online petition collected in excess of 10,000 supporters in less than a day before its contents were wiped.
Two other people, including a ex-local representative, were also detained by police, according to local media reports.
International Reaction
The rights group and The monitoring body have both criticised the reported arrests.
"Now is the time for the local government to transparently investigate the reasons of the catastrophic blaze...instead of muzzling those who pose valid inquiries," stated the organization.
Historical Context and Demographics
The residential complex was completed in 1983 and had offered close to 2,000 units for some 4,600 inhabitants, per a recent official survey.
Nearly 40% of its occupants are thought to be over 65 years of age. Some have resided in the government-supported development since it was built.
The city's second-deadliest fire on in history took 176 individuals in 1948 and was caused by a blast on the lower level at a commercial building. The most deadly was at a sporting venue in 1918, when over 600 individuals died.
