The city's Chief Executive Directs Probe into Fatal Fire that Killed 151
Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an independent committee to examine the reasons of a tragic inferno that took a minimum of 151 people.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
Last Wednesday, most of the residential blocks at the housing complex—which was subject to major refurbishment—were engulfed by fire. A probe subsequently revealed that construction site netting used around the buildings failed to meet flame retardant standards.
No fewer than 13 people have been arrested for potential negligent homicide, comprising the senior figures of a construction company.
"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a big fire. Changes are required. Failures have been detected in different stages. That is exactly why we must act seriously to guarantee all these gaps are eliminated," remarked Mr. Lee.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The fire—advancing with speed both upwards and between the blocks—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, around 40 hours after it began, and necessitated more than 2,000 fire service personnel to subdue.
That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to collect forensic material. Authorities say the probe could last approximately a month.
Shortcomings Uncovered
Multiple inhabitants have reported they were not alerted by a smoke detector when the incident started. Local firefighters determined that detection devices in each building were operating inadequately.
The relevant regulatory body has put on hold construction activities on three dozen private developments.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
Additionally, officers took into custody a 24-year-old man on charges related to subversion on Saturday. He was part of a gathering calling for an independent inquiry into the tragedy. An digital signature drive amassed over 10,000 supporters in under 24 hours before its page was taken down.
A pair of additional persons, including a former district councillor, were also questioned by officers, according to press accounts.
Global Response
The rights group and Human Rights Watch have both denounced the said apprehensions.
"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to openly examine the reasons of the devastating fire...instead of muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group.
Background and Resident Profile
The housing estate was completed in the early 1980s and had offered close to 2,000 units for around 4,600 inhabitants, according to a population count.
Nearly 40% of its inhabitants are estimated to be at least 65 years old. Some have been occupants of the subsidised housing estate since its construction.
The city's second-worst blaze on in history killed 176 people in 1948 and was caused by a blast on the lower level at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when more than 600 attendees lost their lives.