Hong Kong Chief Executive Directs Investigation into Fatal Blaze that Took 151
Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an independent committee to examine the reasons of a catastrophic blaze that claimed the lives of 151 residents.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
This past Wednesday, the majority of the tower blocks at the housing complex—which had been undergoing significant upgrades—went up in flames. A probe subsequently revealed that construction site netting installed on the buildings failed to meet requirements for fire resistance.
A minimum of 13 individuals have been arrested for alleged culpable homicide, comprising the executives of a construction company.
"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a big fire. Changes are required. Failures have been detected in multiple areas. Hence we must take decisive action to make certain all these loopholes are eliminated," stated the leader.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The inferno—advancing with speed both upwards and between the blocks—was finally put out by the end of the week, approximately two days after it started, and necessitated more than 2,000 fire service personnel to bring under control.
On that day, police began entering the buildings to collect forensic material. Authorities say the inquiry could take several weeks.
Systemic Failures Identified
A number of occupants have stated they failed to hear a fire alarm when the blaze started. Hong Kong's fire service discovered that alarms in all eight blocks were operating inadequately.
Hong Kong's buildings department has halted for now construction activities on numerous private sites.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
Separately, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on allegations of subversion on the weekend. He was involved with a group calling for an autonomous investigation into the fire. An digital signature drive amassed over 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its page was taken down.
Two other people, among them a ex-local representative, were also detained by authorities, according to press accounts.
International Reaction
The human rights organization and Another watchdog have both denounced the alleged detentions.
"The moment has come for the city's officials to openly examine the causes of the tragic incident...as opposed to silencing those who ask legitimate questions," Amnesty International said.
Historical Context and Demographics
The residential complex was completed in 1983 and had provided nearly two thousand flats for approximately 4,600 occupants, based on a recent official survey.
Nearly 40% of its occupants are believed to be over 65 years of age. Some have lived in the public housing complex since it was built.
Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on file killed 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was the result of a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The most deadly was at a local racetrack in 1918, when in excess of 600 attendees lost their lives.
