The city's Chief Executive Directs Investigation into Fatal Inferno that Killed 151
Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an independent committee 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 major refurbishment—were engulfed by fire. Authorities later discovered that protective netting installed on the buildings fell short of fire safety regulations.
No fewer than 13 suspects have been detained on suspicion of suspected manslaughter, among them the executives of a building firm.
"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a big fire. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to guarantee all these gaps are eliminated," stated the leader.
Investigation and Aftermath
The inferno—which spread quickly both vertically and between the blocks—was only fully doused by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it started, and required in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to bring under control.
That very day, police began entering the buildings to collect forensic material. Officials state the inquiry could take several weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
A number of occupants have reported they did not hear a fire alarm when the incident started. Local firefighters found that detection devices in every tower were operating inadequately.
The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended works on 30 private projects.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
In a related development, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on suspicion of incitement on Saturday. He was part of a group petitioning for an independent inquiry into the fire. An online petition gathered over 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its page was taken down.
Two other people, including a former district councillor, were also questioned by police, according to news outlets.
International Reaction
Amnesty International and The monitoring body have both criticised the alleged detentions.
"This is the occasion for the local government to openly examine the causes of the devastating fire...as opposed to suppressing those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group.
Background and Resident Profile
The housing estate was completed in 1983 and had offered nearly two thousand flats for some 4,600 inhabitants, per a recent official survey.
Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are thought to be at least 65 years old. A number have lived in the public housing complex from its inception.
Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on file killed 176 individuals in 1948 and was caused by a ground-floor explosion at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when over 600 individuals lost their lives.
