The city's Leader Directs Investigation into Deadly Blaze that Took 151
The city's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an separate inquiry panel to probe the origins of a devastating fire that took a minimum of 151 residents.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
On Wednesday last week, the majority of the tower blocks at the housing complex—which had been undergoing extensive renovations—were engulfed by fire. A probe subsequently revealed that construction site netting used around the buildings fell short of flame retardant standards.
At least 13 individuals have been detained on suspicion of suspected manslaughter, comprising the directors of a construction company.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, the fire was immense. Reform is necessary. Yes, we have identified failures in various phases. That is exactly why we must act seriously to guarantee all these loopholes are plucked," stated the leader.
Investigation and Aftermath
The inferno—advancing with speed both vertically and from building to building—was finally put out by the end of the week, approximately two days after it started, and required more than 2,000 emergency responders to subdue.
On that day, police began entering the buildings to collect forensic material. Authorities say the investigation could last three to four weeks.
Systemic Failures Identified
Multiple inhabitants have stated they were not alerted by a emergency siren when the fire started. Hong Kong's fire service determined that warning systems in all eight blocks were malfunctioning.
The city's construction authority has put on hold works on 30 private projects.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
Separately, officers took into custody a young man on allegations of subversion on Saturday. He was among a collective demanding an autonomous investigation into the fire. An digital signature drive gathered more than 10,000 supporters in a very short time before its page was taken down.
Two other people, comprising a ex-local representative, were also questioned by police, as reported by press accounts.
Global Response
The rights group and Human Rights Watch have both denounced the said apprehensions.
"Now is the time for the local government to thoroughly and publicly probe the reasons of the devastating fire...rather than suppressing those who pose valid inquiries," stated the organization.
Background and Resident Profile
The housing estate was constructed in 1983 and had offered 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 residents, per a population count.
Approximately 40 percent of its inhabitants are believed to be older than 65 years old. Some have resided in the public housing complex since its construction.
Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on in history claimed 176 people in 1948 and was the result of a blast on the lower level at a multi-story storage facility. The most deadly was at a sporting venue in 1918, when more than 600 individuals died.