The city's Leader Orders Probe into Fatal Fire that Killed 151
The city's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an independent committee to probe the origins of a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 151 residents.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
This past Wednesday, seven of eight apartment buildings at the estate—which was subject to extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. Authorities later discovered that construction site netting used around the buildings failed to meet requirements for fire resistance.
At least 13 individuals have been detained on suspicion of alleged culpable homicide, including the senior figures of a building firm.
"This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Changes are required. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. Hence we must take decisive action to guarantee all these loopholes are eliminated," remarked Mr. Lee.
Investigation and Aftermath
The fire—which spread quickly both upwards and from building to building—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, some 40 hours after it ignited, and required over 2,000 firefighters to bring under control.
That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to collect forensic material. Authorities say the investigation could last approximately a month.
Systemic Failures Identified
A number of occupants have stated they failed to hear a fire alarm when the blaze erupted. Local firefighters found that warning systems in every tower were not working effectively.
The city's construction authority has halted for now renovation projects on three dozen private developments.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
In a related development, officers took into custody a individual on charges related to incitement on Saturday. He was involved with a collective demanding an separate review into the blaze. An digital signature drive gathered over 10,000 signatures in less than a day before its page was taken down.
Two other people, among them a past council member, were also detained by authorities, according to press accounts.
Global Response
The human rights organization and Another watchdog have both criticised the said apprehensions.
"This is the occasion for the local government to openly examine the reasons of the tragic incident...as opposed to muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," stated the organization.
Historical Context and Demographics
The residential complex was completed in 1983 and had supplied close to 2,000 units for around 4,600 inhabitants, according to a population count.
Nearly 40% of its inhabitants are thought to be older than 65 years of age. Some have lived in the public housing complex since its construction.
Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on record claimed 176 individuals in 1948 and was the result of a detonation at street level at a five-storey warehouse. The deadliest was at a local racetrack in 1918, when more than 600 people lost their lives.
