Hong Kong Leader Directs Probe into Tragic Blaze that Took 151
Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an separate inquiry panel to investigate the cause of a tragic inferno that killed at least 151 residents.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
Last Wednesday, most of the tower blocks at the housing complex—that was in the midst of significant upgrades—were consumed by a blaze. Authorities later discovered that safety scaffolding mesh installed on the buildings failed to meet fire safety regulations.
No fewer than 13 individuals have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, including the directors of a building firm.
"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Changes are required. Failures have been detected in multiple areas. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these gaps are addressed," he said.
Investigation and Aftermath
The blaze—advancing with speed both vertically and between the blocks—was only fully doused by the end of the week, around 40 hours after it started, and took in excess of 2,000 fire service personnel to contain.
The same day, authorities started accessing the buildings to collect forensic material. The government indicates the inquiry could require several weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
Several residents have said they failed to hear a smoke detector when the blaze broke out. Hong Kong's fire service discovered that detection devices in each building were malfunctioning.
Hong Kong's buildings department has temporarily suspended works on three dozen private developments.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
Separately, authorities are said to have arrested a young man on allegations of sedition on Saturday. He was involved with a group demanding an separate review into the fire. An online petition amassed more than 10,000 signatures in a very short time before its contents were wiped.
A pair of additional persons, comprising a ex-local representative, were also taken in by police, according to news outlets.
International Reaction
The human rights organization and The monitoring body have both criticised the reported arrests.
"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to openly examine the reasons of the tragic incident...rather than silencing those who raise appropriate concerns," stated the organization.
Background and Resident Profile
The residential complex was completed in the early 1980s and had provided 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 occupants, based on a population count.
Approximately 40 percent of its residents are thought to be at least 65 years old. A number have been occupants of the subsidised housing estate since it was built.
Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on in history took 176 individuals in 1948 and was triggered by a blast on the lower level at a five-storey warehouse. The most deadly was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when in excess of 600 individuals lost their lives.
