Hong Kong Leader Directs Probe into Deadly Blaze that Took 151
Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an separate inquiry panel to examine the reasons of a devastating fire that killed at least 151 individuals.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
On Wednesday last week, the majority of the tower blocks at the housing complex—that was in the midst of significant upgrades—were consumed by a blaze. A probe subsequently revealed that protective netting surrounding the buildings did not comply with fire safety regulations.
At least 13 people have been arrested for alleged culpable homicide, among them the senior figures of a building firm.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Reform is necessary. Yes, we have identified failures in different stages. This is precisely the reason we must act seriously to guarantee all these loopholes are plucked," he said.
Investigation and Aftermath
The inferno—which spread quickly both vertically and from building to building—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, approximately two days after it started, and took over 2,000 firefighters to subdue.
On that day, police began entering the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the probe could require approximately a month.
Systemic Failures Identified
Several residents have said they did not hear a smoke detector when the blaze started. Hong Kong's fire service discovered that detection devices in every tower were malfunctioning.
Hong Kong's buildings department has put on hold renovation projects on numerous private sites.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
Separately, officers took into custody a 24-year-old man on allegations of incitement on the weekend. He was among a gathering demanding an independent inquiry into the fire. An internet-based appeal amassed in excess of 10,000 signatures in less than a day before its contents were wiped.
Another two individuals, including a former district councillor, were also detained by authorities, according to news outlets.
International Reaction
Amnesty International and The monitoring body have both denounced the alleged detentions.
"This is the occasion for the city's officials to openly examine the reasons of the tragic incident...as opposed to suppressing those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group.
Historical Context and Demographics
The residential complex was built in the early 1980s and had supplied 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 residents, based on a population count.
Nearly 40% of its residents are thought to be at least 65 years of age. Some have lived in the subsidised housing estate since its construction.
Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on in history took 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was the result of a detonation at street level at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when over 600 individuals died.
