The city's Chief Executive Orders Probe into Tragic Inferno that Killed 151
The city's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an independent committee to examine the reasons of a devastating fire that took a minimum of 151 individuals.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
This past Wednesday, most of the apartment buildings at the housing complex—which had been undergoing extensive renovations—were engulfed by fire. Authorities later discovered that construction site netting installed on the buildings did not comply with requirements for fire resistance.
At least 13 suspects have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, including the directors of a construction company.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a big fire. Changes are required. Failures have been detected in various phases. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these deficiencies are addressed," stated the leader.
Investigation and Aftermath
The blaze—that propagated rapidly both vertically and from building to building—was only fully doused by the end of the week, around 40 hours after it started, and required over 2,000 emergency responders to contain.
The same day, authorities started accessing the buildings to gather evidence. Officials state the inquiry could take three to four weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
A number of occupants have reported they did not hear a fire alarm when the blaze started. Hong Kong's fire service determined that warning systems in all eight blocks were malfunctioning.
The relevant regulatory body has halted for now works on three dozen private developments.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
In a related development, officers took into custody a young man on charges related to incitement on Saturday. He was among a gathering demanding an independent inquiry into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal collected in excess of 10,000 supporters in under 24 hours before its information was removed.
Another two individuals, including a past council member, were also taken in by officers, as reported by press accounts.
International Reaction
The human rights organization and Human Rights Watch have both condemned the said apprehensions.
"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to openly examine the reasons of the tragic incident...as opposed to silencing those who ask legitimate questions," stated the organization.
Historical Context and Demographics
The housing estate was completed in the early 1980s and had offered 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 residents, according to a recent official survey.
Nearly 40% of its residents are thought to be at least 65 years of age. Several have resided in the public housing complex from its inception.
Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on record took 176 individuals in 1948 and was triggered by a blast on the lower level at a commercial building. The deadliest was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when over 600 attendees died.
