The city's Chief Executive Directs Investigation into Fatal Fire that Claimed Lives of 151
Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an autonomous task force to probe the origins of a catastrophic blaze that claimed the lives of 151 individuals.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
On Wednesday last week, most of the residential blocks at the estate—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—were engulfed by fire. Authorities later discovered that protective netting used around the buildings did not comply with fire safety regulations.
No fewer than 13 suspects have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, including the senior figures of a construction company.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a big fire. Yes, we need reform. Failures have been detected in various phases. Hence we must take decisive action to make certain all these gaps are plucked," stated the leader.
Investigation and Aftermath
The fire—which spread quickly both vertically and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by Friday morning, around 40 hours after it started, and required over 2,000 fire service personnel to bring under control.
The same day, police began entering the buildings to collect forensic material. The government indicates the inquiry could last several weeks.
Systemic Failures Identified
A number of occupants have reported they were not alerted by a emergency siren when the fire erupted. Local firefighters found that detection devices in every tower were malfunctioning.
Hong Kong's buildings department has halted for now construction activities on 30 private projects.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
Separately, officers took into custody a young man on allegations of subversion on the weekend. He was among a group demanding an autonomous investigation into the tragedy. An online petition collected in excess of 10,000 supporters in less than a day before its contents were wiped.
A pair of additional persons, comprising a past council member, were also taken in by authorities, as reported by press accounts.
International Reaction
The human rights organization and Another watchdog have both criticised the alleged detentions.
"The moment has come for the city's officials to thoroughly and publicly probe the causes of the tragic incident...rather than silencing those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group.
Background and Resident Profile
The housing estate was constructed in 1983 and had supplied nearly two thousand flats for around 4,600 inhabitants, per a recent official survey.
Approximately 40 percent of its occupants are estimated to be over 65 years of age. Several have lived in the subsidised housing estate since it was built.
Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on in history killed 176 people in the mid-20th century and was caused by a ground-floor explosion at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at a local racetrack in 1918, when over 600 attendees perished.
