The city's Leader Directs Investigation into Deadly Fire that Took 151
The city's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an separate inquiry panel to investigate the cause of a devastating fire that took a minimum of 151 residents.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
This past Wednesday, seven of eight apartment buildings at the housing complex—that was in the midst of major refurbishment—went up in flames. Authorities later discovered that safety scaffolding mesh used around the buildings failed to meet fire safety regulations.
A minimum of 13 suspects have been taken into custody over alleged culpable homicide, among them the executives of a contractor.
"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a big fire. Reform is necessary. Yes, we have identified failures in different stages. Hence we must take decisive action to ensure that all these loopholes are addressed," stated the leader.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The blaze—advancing with speed both upwards and between the blocks—was not completely extinguished by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it started, and required in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to subdue.
On that day, police began entering the buildings to gather evidence. Officials state the investigation could take several weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
A number of occupants have reported they were not alerted by a fire alarm when the incident broke out. The city's fire department found that alarms in every tower were malfunctioning.
The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended works on three dozen private developments.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
Separately, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on allegations of incitement on Saturday. He was among a group petitioning for an separate review into the blaze. An digital signature drive amassed more than 10,000 endorsements in a very short time before its information was removed.
Another two individuals, comprising a ex-local representative, 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 alleged detentions.
"Now is the time for the local government to openly examine the causes of the devastating fire...instead of muzzling those who pose valid inquiries," Amnesty International said.
Historical Context and Demographics
The residential complex was constructed in 1983 and had supplied nearly two thousand flats for some 4,600 occupants, according to a population count.
Approximately 40 percent of its inhabitants are thought to be at least 65 years of age. Some have resided in the subsidised housing estate since its construction.
Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on in history killed 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was caused by a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The most deadly was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 people perished.
