Hong Kong Leader Directs Investigation into Fatal Inferno that Took 151
The city's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an independent committee to probe the origins of a catastrophic blaze that claimed the lives of 151 people.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
On Wednesday last week, most of the apartment buildings at the estate—which had been undergoing extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. A probe subsequently revealed that protective netting used around the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards.
A minimum of 13 people have been detained on suspicion of alleged culpable homicide, comprising the executives of a contractor.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. Failures have been detected in multiple areas. That is exactly why we must act seriously to make certain all these gaps are eliminated," he said.
Investigation and Aftermath
The fire—which spread quickly both vertically and from building to building—was only fully doused by the morning of Friday, approximately two days after it started, and took more than 2,000 firefighters to contain.
On that day, police began entering the buildings to collect forensic material. Officials state the inquiry could take several weeks.
Systemic Failures Identified
Multiple inhabitants have said they failed to hear a emergency siren when the fire erupted. The city's fire department found that warning systems in all eight blocks were operating inadequately.
The city's construction authority has temporarily suspended construction activities on 30 private projects.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on charges related to incitement on the weekend. He was part of a group demanding an independent inquiry into the blaze. An digital signature drive amassed over 10,000 signatures in a very short time before its information was removed.
A pair of additional persons, including a former district councillor, were also questioned by authorities, as reported by news outlets.
Global Response
Amnesty International and The monitoring body have both denounced the said apprehensions.
"The moment has come for the city's officials to transparently investigate the causes of the tragic incident...instead of muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group.
Background and Resident Profile
The residential complex was built in 1983 and had supplied nearly two thousand flats for around 4,600 inhabitants, based on a 2021 government census.
Nearly 40% of its residents are thought to be older than 65 years of age. Some have been occupants of the public housing complex since it was built.
Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on record took 176 lives in 1948 and was triggered by a detonation at street level at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when over 600 people perished.
