The city's Chief Executive Directs Probe into Tragic Blaze that Killed 151
Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an independent committee to examine the reasons of a tragic inferno that killed at least 151 residents.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
Last Wednesday, the majority of the tower blocks at the housing complex—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—were engulfed by fire. A probe subsequently revealed that protective netting installed on the buildings fell short of flame retardant standards.
No fewer than 13 people have been arrested for potential negligent homicide, comprising the directors of a contractor.
"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Reform is necessary. Failures have been detected in different stages. This is precisely the reason we must respond rigorously to make certain all these loopholes are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.
Investigation and Aftermath
The fire—which spread quickly both upwards and between the blocks—was only fully doused by the end of the week, some 40 hours after it started, and took in excess of 2,000 fire service personnel to bring under control.
On that day, authorities started accessing the buildings to gather evidence. The government indicates the investigation could last approximately a month.
Shortcomings Uncovered
Multiple inhabitants have stated they were not alerted by a emergency siren when the fire started. Hong Kong's fire service found that alarms in every tower were not working effectively.
The city's construction authority has put on hold construction activities on 30 private projects.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
Separately, authorities are said to have arrested a young man on suspicion of sedition on Saturday. He was among a gathering demanding an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An online petition gathered more than 10,000 supporters in less than a day before its contents were wiped.
Two other people, comprising a ex-local representative, were also detained by police, as reported by news outlets.
Global Response
The rights group and Another watchdog have both condemned the said apprehensions.
"Now is the time for the local government to openly examine the reasons of the catastrophic blaze...as opposed to silencing those who pose valid inquiries," stated the organization.
Background and Resident Profile
The housing estate was completed in 1983 and had offered 1,984 apartments for approximately 4,600 residents, based on a recent official survey.
Almost four in ten of its occupants are thought to be over 65 years old. Some have lived in the government-supported development since it was built.
The city's second-deadliest fire on record took 176 people in the mid-20th century and was the result of a blast on the lower level at a five-storey warehouse. The deadliest was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 attendees perished.
