The city's Chief Executive Directs Investigation into Fatal Fire that Took 151
The city's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an autonomous task force to probe the origins of a catastrophic blaze that took a minimum of 151 residents.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
On Wednesday last week, the majority of the tower blocks at the housing complex—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. A probe subsequently revealed that safety scaffolding mesh surrounding the buildings fell short of fire safety regulations.
No fewer than 13 suspects have been arrested for alleged culpable homicide, among them the directors of a building firm.
"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Reform is necessary. Yes, we have identified failures in various phases. This is precisely the reason we must respond rigorously to guarantee all these loopholes are addressed," stated the leader.
Investigation and Aftermath
The fire—which spread quickly both vertically and from building to building—was only fully doused by Friday morning, approximately two days after it started, and necessitated in excess of 2,000 fire service personnel to contain.
On that day, authorities started accessing the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the investigation could take approximately a month.
Shortcomings Uncovered
Multiple inhabitants have said they did not hear a emergency siren when the incident erupted. Hong Kong's fire service determined that warning systems in each building were not working effectively.
The city's construction authority has temporarily suspended renovation projects on numerous private sites.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
Separately, police reportedly detained a young man on allegations of sedition on Saturday. He was involved with a collective petitioning for an separate review into the tragedy. An digital signature drive collected over 10,000 supporters in under 24 hours before its information was removed.
Another two individuals, comprising a past council member, were also detained by officers, according to news outlets.
International Reaction
The rights group and Another watchdog have both denounced the reported arrests.
"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to transparently investigate the origins of the catastrophic blaze...rather than muzzling those who raise appropriate concerns," remarked the group.
Historical Context and Demographics
The residential complex was built in 1983 and had supplied close to 2,000 units for some 4,600 residents, according to a recent official survey.
Almost four in ten of its residents are thought to be over 65 years of age. Some have been occupants of the government-supported development from its inception.
The city's second-most fatal incident on record killed 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was the result of a detonation at street level at a multi-story storage facility. The most deadly was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 attendees died.
