Hong Kong Leader Directs Investigation into Tragic Fire that Took 151
Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an independent committee to investigate the cause of a devastating fire that killed at least 151 residents.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
On Wednesday last week, the majority of the residential blocks at the estate—that was in the midst of major refurbishment—went up in flames. Authorities later discovered that protective netting surrounding the buildings failed to meet fire safety regulations.
A minimum of 13 people have been arrested for alleged culpable homicide, comprising the senior figures of a contractor.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Changes are required. Failures have been detected in various phases. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to make certain all these loopholes are addressed," stated the leader.
Investigation and Aftermath
The inferno—which spread quickly both upwards and from building to building—was finally put out by the end of the week, some 40 hours after it ignited, and required more than 2,000 fire service personnel to contain.
The same day, authorities started accessing the buildings to secure proof. The government indicates the probe could take three to four weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
A number of occupants have reported they failed to hear a smoke detector when the incident broke out. The city's fire department found that detection devices in every tower were operating inadequately.
Hong Kong's buildings department has temporarily suspended renovation projects on numerous private sites.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a young man on suspicion of subversion on the weekend. He was part of a gathering demanding an separate review into the tragedy. An digital signature drive amassed over 10,000 signatures in less than a day before its information was removed.
Another two individuals, comprising a ex-local representative, were also detained by police, per local media reports.
Global Response
Amnesty International and Another watchdog have both denounced the reported arrests.
"This is the occasion for the city's officials to thoroughly and publicly probe the causes of the devastating fire...rather than silencing those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group.
Background and Resident Profile
The residential complex was constructed in the early 1980s and had offered 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 residents, according to a recent official survey.
Almost four in ten of its occupants are estimated to be over 65 years of age. Several have resided in the subsidised housing estate since its construction.
Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on record claimed 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 a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when more than 600 individuals died.
