The city's Chief Executive Orders Investigation into Tragic Blaze that Took 151
The city's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an independent committee to examine the reasons of a catastrophic blaze that killed at least 151 residents.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
On Wednesday last week, the majority of the residential blocks at the estate—which had been undergoing extensive renovations—were engulfed by fire. Authorities later discovered that protective netting surrounding the buildings failed to meet flame retardant standards.
A minimum of 13 individuals have been arrested for alleged culpable homicide, among them the executives of a contractor.
"This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Changes are required. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. This is precisely the reason we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these gaps are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.
Investigation and Aftermath
The inferno—which spread quickly both upwards and across the separate towers—was finally put out by the morning of Friday, approximately two days after it began, and took over 2,000 fire service personnel to subdue.
On that day, police began entering the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the investigation could take three to four weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
A number of occupants have stated they were not alerted by a smoke detector when the fire broke out. Local firefighters determined that alarms in every tower were operating inadequately.
Hong Kong's buildings department has put on hold construction activities on 30 private projects.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
In a related development, police reportedly detained a individual on allegations of subversion on the weekend. He was among a group demanding an independent inquiry into the blaze. An internet-based appeal gathered in excess of 10,000 supporters in a very short time before its contents were wiped.
Another two individuals, among them a ex-local representative, were also taken in by officers, as reported by news outlets.
Global Response
The rights group and Human Rights Watch have both condemned the said apprehensions.
"This is the occasion for the city's officials to thoroughly and publicly probe the origins of the devastating fire...rather than muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," Amnesty International said.
Background and Resident Profile
The residential complex was completed in 1983 and had supplied 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 inhabitants, per a 2021 government census.
Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are estimated to be at least 65 years of age. A number have lived in the government-supported development since it was built.
The city's second-most fatal incident on in history took 176 lives in 1948 and was the result of a blast on the lower level at a multi-story storage facility. The most deadly was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 people perished.
