The city's Chief Executive Directs Probe into Deadly Blaze that Claimed Lives of 151
The city's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an independent committee to probe the origins of a devastating fire that took a minimum of 151 residents.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
Last Wednesday, seven of eight residential blocks at the housing complex—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—were engulfed by fire. A probe subsequently revealed that safety scaffolding mesh surrounding the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards.
No fewer than 13 suspects have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, including the senior figures of a construction company.
"This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in multiple areas. This is precisely the reason we must respond rigorously to guarantee all these gaps are addressed," remarked Mr. Lee.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The inferno—which spread quickly both vertically and from building to building—was only fully doused by the end of the week, around 40 hours after it began, and required more than 2,000 fire service personnel to bring under control.
On that day, authorities started accessing the buildings to collect forensic material. Officials state the inquiry could take approximately a month.
Systemic Failures Identified
Multiple inhabitants have reported they did not hear a fire alarm when the fire broke out. Hong Kong's fire service found that warning systems in every tower were not working effectively.
The city's construction authority has halted for now renovation projects on 30 private projects.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
In a related development, police reportedly detained a 24-year-old man on suspicion of incitement on Saturday. He was involved with a group calling for an separate review into the fire. An online petition amassed in excess of 10,000 signatures in a very short time before its contents were wiped.
Two other people, among them a past council member, were also detained by police, per local media reports.
International Reaction
The human rights organization and The monitoring body have both condemned the said apprehensions.
"The moment has come for the city's officials to transparently investigate the origins of the catastrophic blaze...instead of suppressing those who raise appropriate concerns," remarked the group.
Background and Resident Profile
The residential complex was completed in 1983 and had provided nearly two thousand flats for approximately 4,600 occupants, per a population count.
Approximately 40 percent of its occupants are thought to be older than 65 years old. A number have resided in the subsidised housing estate from its inception.
The city's second-deadliest fire on in history killed 176 lives in 1948 and was the result of a ground-floor explosion at a five-storey warehouse. The deadliest was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when over 600 individuals lost their lives.
