Hong Kong Leader Orders Investigation into Fatal Blaze that Took 151
Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an autonomous task force to investigate the cause of a tragic inferno that killed at least 151 residents.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
On Wednesday last week, seven of eight residential blocks at the estate—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—were engulfed by fire. Investigators have since found that protective netting installed on the buildings fell short of requirements for fire resistance.
A minimum of 13 suspects have been detained on suspicion of alleged culpable homicide, comprising the executives of a construction company.
"This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Changes are required. Yes, we have identified failures in multiple areas. This is precisely the reason we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these loopholes are addressed," remarked Mr. Lee.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The inferno—which spread quickly both upwards and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by Friday morning, approximately two days after it ignited, and necessitated in excess of 2,000 fire service personnel to contain.
The same day, authorities started accessing the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the probe could take approximately a month.
Systemic Failures Identified
Several residents have stated they did not hear a emergency siren when the fire started. The city's fire department found that alarms in each building were not working effectively.
Hong Kong's buildings department has halted for now renovation projects on 30 private projects.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
Additionally, officers took into custody a young man on allegations of subversion on Saturday. He was among a collective demanding an independent inquiry into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal collected in excess of 10,000 supporters in less than a day before its contents were wiped.
Two other people, among them a past council member, were also questioned by police, according to local media reports.
Global Response
The rights group and The monitoring body have both denounced the reported arrests.
"Now is the time for the local government to openly examine the origins of the devastating fire...as opposed to suppressing those who raise appropriate concerns," Amnesty International said.
Background and Resident Profile
The housing estate was completed in 1983 and had supplied 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 occupants, according to a population count.
Nearly 40% of its inhabitants are estimated to be older than 65 years of age. Several have resided in the subsidised housing estate since its construction.
The city's second-most fatal incident on in history took 176 lives in 1948 and was triggered by a blast on the lower level at a multi-story storage facility. The deadliest was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when over 600 attendees lost their lives.
