The city's Leader Orders Investigation into Fatal Fire that Took 151
The city's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an independent committee to probe the origins of a tragic inferno that took a minimum of 151 residents.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
On Wednesday last week, seven of eight apartment buildings at the estate—which was subject to significant upgrades—went up in flames. Investigators have since found that protective netting installed on the buildings failed to meet fire safety regulations.
A minimum of 13 individuals have been taken into custody over suspected manslaughter, comprising the senior figures of a construction company.
"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a big fire. Reform is necessary. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. Hence we must act seriously to ensure that all these loopholes are eliminated," remarked Mr. Lee.
Investigation and Aftermath
The fire—which spread quickly both upwards and between the blocks—was finally put out by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it ignited, and necessitated over 2,000 fire service personnel to subdue.
On that day, authorities started accessing the buildings to gather evidence. Officials state the inquiry could require approximately a month.
Shortcomings Uncovered
A number of occupants have reported they were not alerted by a smoke detector when the incident erupted. The city's fire department determined that detection devices in every tower were not working effectively.
The relevant regulatory body has put on hold renovation projects on three dozen private developments.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
Separately, officers took into custody a individual on allegations of sedition on Saturday. He was part of a group calling for an separate review into the tragedy. An online petition amassed in excess of 10,000 endorsements in less than a day before its page was taken down.
Two other people, including a past council member, were also taken in by authorities, as reported by local media reports.
Global Response
Amnesty International and Another watchdog have both denounced the said apprehensions.
"Now is the time for the city's officials to openly examine the causes of the tragic incident...rather than suppressing those who raise appropriate concerns," Amnesty International said.
Historical Context and Demographics
The housing estate was built in 1983 and had offered 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 inhabitants, based on a population count.
Almost four in ten of its residents are thought to be over 65 years old. A number have lived in the government-supported development since its construction.
Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on in history killed 176 people in 1948 and was triggered by a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The most deadly was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when over 600 attendees lost their lives.
