Hong Kong Leader Directs Investigation into Fatal Inferno that Took 151
The city's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an independent committee to investigate the cause of a devastating fire that killed at least 151 residents.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
This past Wednesday, seven of eight apartment buildings at the estate—which was subject to extensive renovations—went up in flames. Authorities later discovered that safety scaffolding mesh used around the buildings did not comply with fire safety regulations.
At least 13 suspects have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, comprising the directors of a building firm.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, the fire was immense. Reform is necessary. We have uncovered shortcomings in various phases. This is precisely the reason we must act seriously to make certain all these loopholes are plucked," he said.
Investigation and Aftermath
The blaze—which spread quickly both vertically and from building to building—was only fully doused by the end of the week, some 40 hours after it ignited, and took in excess of 2,000 fire service personnel to subdue.
The same day, authorities started accessing the buildings to collect forensic material. Authorities say the investigation could last approximately a month.
Systemic Failures Identified
A number of occupants have reported they were not alerted by a emergency siren when the fire erupted. Hong Kong's fire service determined that warning systems in all eight blocks were operating inadequately.
The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended works on numerous private sites.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
In a related development, police reportedly detained a individual on charges related to sedition on the weekend. He was among a collective petitioning for an independent inquiry into the blaze. An digital signature drive gathered over 10,000 signatures in less than a day before its contents were wiped.
Another two individuals, comprising a past council member, were also questioned by officers, as reported by local media reports.
International Reaction
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both denounced the said apprehensions.
"The moment has come for the city's officials to openly examine the causes of the catastrophic blaze...instead of silencing those who ask legitimate questions," stated the organization.
Background and Resident Profile
The residential complex was constructed in 1983 and had provided nearly two thousand flats for around 4,600 occupants, per a recent official survey.
Almost four in ten of its occupants are estimated to be over 65 years old. Several have lived in the subsidised housing estate since it was built.
The city's second-deadliest fire on record claimed 176 lives in 1948 and was the result of a detonation at street level at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when more than 600 individuals perished.