The city's Chief Executive Orders Probe into Tragic Fire that Claimed Lives of 151
Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an independent committee to probe the origins of a devastating fire that took a minimum of 151 residents.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
Last Wednesday, seven of eight tower blocks at the housing complex—which was subject to major refurbishment—were consumed by a blaze. A probe subsequently revealed that construction site netting surrounding the buildings failed to meet flame retardant standards.
No fewer than 13 people have been detained on suspicion of suspected manslaughter, including the directors of a construction company.
"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in multiple areas. Hence we must act seriously to make certain all these deficiencies are addressed," he said.
Investigation and Aftermath
The fire—advancing with speed both vertically and from building to building—was only fully doused by the morning of Friday, around 40 hours after it ignited, and required over 2,000 fire service personnel to contain.
On that day, authorities started accessing the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the inquiry could take several weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
Several residents have said they were not alerted by a smoke detector when the blaze started. The city's fire department found that warning systems in all eight blocks were malfunctioning.
The relevant regulatory body has halted for now renovation projects on 30 private projects.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
Separately, police reportedly detained a 24-year-old man on charges related to incitement on Saturday. He was among a gathering petitioning for an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An internet-based appeal collected more than 10,000 supporters in a very short time before its page was taken down.
Another two individuals, comprising a past council member, were also questioned by police, as reported by news outlets.
Global Response
The human rights organization and The monitoring body have both criticised the alleged detentions.
"This is the occasion for the Hong Kong authorities to transparently investigate the reasons of the catastrophic blaze...as opposed to silencing those who raise appropriate concerns," remarked the group.
Background and Resident Profile
The residential complex was constructed in 1983 and had provided close to 2,000 units for approximately 4,600 residents, according to a recent official survey.
Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are estimated to be older than 65 years of age. Several have been occupants of the subsidised housing estate since it was built.
The city's second-deadliest fire on record killed 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was the result of a blast on the lower level at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 people died.
