The city's Chief Executive Orders Probe into Fatal Inferno that Took 151
The city's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an autonomous task force to examine the reasons of a catastrophic blaze that took a minimum of 151 residents.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
This past Wednesday, most of the residential blocks at the housing complex—which was subject to extensive renovations—went up in flames. A probe subsequently revealed that protective netting used around the buildings fell short of requirements for fire resistance.
No fewer than 13 individuals have been arrested for potential negligent homicide, among them the directors of a construction company.
"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a big fire. Reform is necessary. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. Hence we must respond rigorously to guarantee all these gaps are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The fire—that propagated rapidly both upwards and between the blocks—was finally put out by the morning of Friday, some 40 hours after it started, and necessitated in excess of 2,000 firefighters to bring under control.
On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to gather evidence. Authorities say the probe could require three to four weeks.
Systemic Failures Identified
Several residents have said they were not alerted by a fire alarm when the incident started. Hong Kong's fire service determined that alarms in each building were operating inadequately.
The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended construction activities on three dozen private developments.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
Additionally, police reportedly detained a 24-year-old man on charges related to subversion on the weekend. He was involved with a group demanding an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An online petition gathered in excess of 10,000 supporters in a very short time before its page was taken down.
A pair of additional persons, comprising a ex-local representative, were also detained by police, per local media reports.
Global Response
Amnesty International and The monitoring body have both denounced the reported arrests.
"The moment has come for the local government to thoroughly and publicly probe the origins of the catastrophic blaze...as opposed to muzzling those who pose valid inquiries," Amnesty International said.
Historical Context and Demographics
The housing estate was completed in 1983 and had offered close to 2,000 units for approximately 4,600 occupants, according to a population count.
Almost four in ten of its residents are thought to be over 65 years of age. A number have resided in the public housing complex from its inception.
The city's second-most fatal incident on in history claimed 176 lives in 1948 and was caused by a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 people lost their lives.
