Hong Kong Leader Directs Investigation into Deadly Fire that Took 151
The city's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an separate inquiry panel to probe the origins of a tragic inferno that took a minimum of 151 individuals.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
On Wednesday last week, most of the tower blocks at the estate—which was subject to significant upgrades—were engulfed by fire. A probe subsequently revealed that construction site netting surrounding the buildings fell short of requirements for fire resistance.
No fewer than 13 individuals have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, among them the directors of a building firm.
"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a big fire. Changes are required. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. That is exactly why we must act seriously to make certain all these gaps are plucked," he said.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The fire—advancing with speed both upwards and across the separate towers—was finally put out by Friday morning, approximately two days after it ignited, and took more than 2,000 fire service personnel to contain.
The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to collect forensic material. Authorities say the inquiry could take three to four weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
Multiple inhabitants have said they failed to hear a emergency siren when the blaze broke out. Local firefighters determined that alarms in each building were operating inadequately.
Hong Kong's buildings department has temporarily suspended construction activities on 30 private projects.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
Separately, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on charges related to subversion on Saturday. He was involved with a gathering petitioning for an separate review into the tragedy. An online petition gathered more than 10,000 supporters in under 24 hours before its page was taken down.
A pair of additional persons, comprising a past council member, were also questioned by officers, per news outlets.
Global Response
The human rights organization and Human Rights Watch have both condemned the said apprehensions.
"Now is the time for the city's officials to transparently investigate the causes of the catastrophic blaze...rather than muzzling those who raise appropriate concerns," stated the organization.
Historical Context and Demographics
The housing estate was constructed in the early 1980s and had provided 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 occupants, according to a population count.
Nearly 40% of its inhabitants are estimated to be at least 65 years of age. Several have resided in the government-supported development since it was built.
The city's second-deadliest fire on in history took 176 people in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a blast on the lower level at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when more than 600 people lost their lives.
