Hong Kong Chief Executive Directs Investigation into Deadly Inferno that Took 151
The city's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an independent committee to probe the origins of a catastrophic blaze that killed at least 151 individuals.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
On Wednesday last week, seven of eight residential blocks at the housing complex—which had been undergoing extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. A probe subsequently revealed that construction site netting surrounding the buildings failed to meet fire safety regulations.
No fewer than 13 suspects have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, including the senior figures of a building firm.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a big fire. Reform is necessary. We have uncovered shortcomings in multiple areas. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to guarantee all these deficiencies are addressed," remarked Mr. Lee.
Investigation and Aftermath
The fire—advancing with speed both upwards and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by the end of the week, approximately two days after it began, and necessitated over 2,000 firefighters to contain.
The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. Officials state the inquiry could last several weeks.
Systemic Failures Identified
Multiple inhabitants have reported they were not alerted by a fire alarm when the incident started. Hong Kong's fire service discovered that alarms in all eight blocks were malfunctioning.
The city's construction authority has halted for now construction activities on 30 private projects.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on suspicion of subversion on Saturday. He was among a collective demanding an independent inquiry into the fire. An online petition amassed over 10,000 signatures in less than a day before its information was removed.
Two other people, comprising a ex-local representative, were also detained by authorities, according to news outlets.
Global Response
The human rights organization and The monitoring body have both denounced the said apprehensions.
"The moment has come for the local government to thoroughly and publicly probe the causes of the catastrophic blaze...rather than silencing those who raise appropriate concerns," stated the organization.
Historical Context and Demographics
The housing estate was built in the early 1980s and had provided close to 2,000 units for some 4,600 residents, based on a recent official survey.
Approximately 40 percent of its occupants are thought to be older than 65 years of age. Several have lived in the public housing complex from its inception.
Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on file took 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a ground-floor explosion at a commercial building. The worst was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when more than 600 people perished.
