The city's Leader Orders Investigation into Deadly Fire that Killed 151
The city's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an separate inquiry panel to investigate the cause of a devastating fire that took a minimum of 151 residents.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
Last Wednesday, most of the apartment buildings at the estate—that was in the midst of significant upgrades—were engulfed by fire. Investigators have since found that construction site netting used around the buildings fell short of requirements for fire resistance.
At least 13 people have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, including the directors of a contractor.
"It is a terrible 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 make certain all these gaps are eliminated," remarked Mr. Lee.
Investigation and Aftermath
The inferno—that propagated rapidly both upwards and between the blocks—was only fully doused by the end of the week, some 40 hours after it ignited, and required over 2,000 firefighters to bring under control.
The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to collect forensic material. Officials state the inquiry could take three to four weeks.
Systemic Failures Identified
Several residents have reported they failed to hear a smoke detector when the incident erupted. Local firefighters found that detection devices in every tower were not working effectively.
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 young man on suspicion of subversion on Saturday. He was among a gathering petitioning for an autonomous investigation into the tragedy. An digital signature drive collected more than 10,000 supporters in less than a day before its contents were wiped.
Two other people, comprising a former district councillor, were also detained by officers, according to press accounts.
Global Response
Amnesty International and The monitoring body have both denounced the said apprehensions.
"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly and publicly probe the origins of the tragic incident...instead of muzzling those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group.
Background and Resident Profile
The residential complex was completed in the early 1980s and had supplied 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 residents, according to a recent official survey.
Approximately 40 percent of its occupants are thought to be older than 65 years of age. Some have been occupants of the government-supported development since its construction.
Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on record took 176 people in 1948 and was the result of a blast on the lower level at a multi-story storage facility. The deadliest was at a local racetrack in 1918, when over 600 people lost their lives.
