Hong Kong Leader Directs Investigation into Deadly Fire that Took 151
The city's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an autonomous task force to probe the origins of a catastrophic blaze that took a minimum of 151 individuals.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
Last Wednesday, most of the apartment buildings at the estate—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. A probe subsequently revealed that protective netting used around the buildings did not comply with requirements for fire resistance.
A minimum of 13 individuals have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, including the senior figures of a building firm.
"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a big fire. Changes are required. Yes, we have identified failures in multiple areas. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to guarantee all these gaps are eliminated," remarked Mr. Lee.
Investigation and Aftermath
The fire—that propagated rapidly both upwards and across the separate towers—was only fully doused by the end of the week, some 40 hours after it started, and required more than 2,000 emergency responders to bring under control.
The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the inquiry could take three to four weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
Several residents have reported they did not hear a fire alarm when the fire started. The city's fire department discovered that detection devices in every tower were malfunctioning.
Hong Kong's buildings department has temporarily suspended renovation projects on 30 private projects.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
Separately, police reportedly detained a young man on suspicion of sedition on Saturday. He was part of a collective calling for an separate review into the blaze. An digital signature drive amassed in excess of 10,000 supporters in under 24 hours before its information was removed.
A pair of additional persons, comprising a ex-local representative, were also questioned by authorities, per local media reports.
International Reaction
The rights group and The monitoring body have both condemned the said apprehensions.
"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to transparently investigate the causes of the tragic incident...instead of muzzling those who raise appropriate concerns," Amnesty International said.
Historical Context and Demographics
The housing estate was built in the early 1980s and had offered close to 2,000 units for some 4,600 occupants, according to a population count.
Nearly 40% of its occupants are believed to be over 65 years old. Some have been occupants of the public housing complex since it was built.
The city's second-worst blaze on record took 176 people in 1948 and was triggered by a blast on the lower level at a multi-story storage facility. The most deadly was at a local racetrack in 1918, when more than 600 attendees died.
