The city's Chief Executive Orders Probe into Tragic Inferno that Killed 151
Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an autonomous task force to probe the origins of a tragic inferno that claimed the lives of 151 individuals.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
Last Wednesday, most of the tower blocks at the housing complex—which was subject to major refurbishment—were consumed by a blaze. A probe subsequently revealed that protective netting installed on the buildings failed to meet fire safety regulations.
At least 13 individuals have been detained on suspicion of suspected manslaughter, comprising the directors of a contractor.
"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a big fire. Changes are required. Failures have been detected in different stages. This is precisely the reason we must act seriously to make certain all these deficiencies are plucked," he said.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The inferno—which spread quickly both upwards and between the blocks—was not completely extinguished by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it started, and required over 2,000 fire service personnel to contain.
The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to collect forensic material. Authorities say the investigation could take several weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
A number of occupants have reported they failed to hear a fire alarm when the incident broke out. Hong Kong's fire service discovered that warning systems in all eight blocks were not working effectively.
The city's construction authority has put on hold construction activities on numerous private sites.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
Additionally, police reportedly detained a young man on charges related to subversion on the weekend. He was involved with a collective calling for an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An internet-based appeal collected over 10,000 supporters in a very short time before its page was taken down.
Two other people, comprising a past council member, were also questioned by authorities, as reported by news outlets.
Global Response
Amnesty International and Another watchdog have both criticised the reported arrests.
"The moment has come for the local government to transparently investigate the causes of the catastrophic blaze...rather than muzzling 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 approximately 4,600 residents, according to a population count.
Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are estimated to be older than 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 claimed 176 lives in 1948 and was the result of a detonation at street level at a multi-story storage facility. The most deadly was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when more than 600 attendees lost their lives.
