The city's Chief Executive Directs Investigation into Tragic Fire that Took 151
Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an separate inquiry panel to examine the reasons of a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 151 people.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
This past Wednesday, seven of eight residential blocks at the housing complex—which had been undergoing significant upgrades—were engulfed by fire. A probe subsequently revealed that safety scaffolding mesh installed on the buildings failed to meet fire safety regulations.
At least 13 suspects have been detained on suspicion of suspected manslaughter, including the senior figures of a construction company.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a big fire. Reform is necessary. Yes, we have identified failures in various phases. Hence we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these loopholes are eliminated," he said.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The blaze—which spread quickly both upwards and from building to building—was not completely extinguished by the end of the week, approximately two days after it started, and necessitated in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to contain.
The same day, police began entering the buildings to gather evidence. The government indicates the inquiry could last approximately a month.
Systemic Failures Identified
Multiple inhabitants have reported they did not hear a fire alarm when the fire erupted. The city's fire department determined that alarms in every tower were not working effectively.
The relevant regulatory body has halted for now renovation projects on numerous private sites.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
Additionally, police reportedly detained a young man on charges related to subversion on Saturday. He was part of a collective calling for an independent inquiry into the tragedy. An digital signature drive amassed more than 10,000 supporters in under 24 hours before its page was taken down.
A pair of additional persons, among them a former district councillor, were also taken in by authorities, according to press accounts.
Global Response
The human rights organization and The monitoring body have both condemned the said apprehensions.
"The moment has come for the local government to thoroughly and publicly probe the causes of the tragic incident...as opposed to silencing those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group.
Background and Resident Profile
The housing estate was built in the early 1980s and had provided close to 2,000 units for around 4,600 inhabitants, based on a recent official survey.
Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are estimated to be at least 65 years old. A number have lived in the subsidised housing estate since its construction.
Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on file took 176 lives in 1948 and was the result of a ground-floor explosion at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 people perished.
