The city's Leader Directs Investigation into Tragic Blaze that Killed 151
Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an autonomous task force to probe the origins of a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 151 individuals.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
On Wednesday last week, seven of eight residential blocks at the estate—which was subject to significant upgrades—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that safety scaffolding mesh surrounding the buildings failed to meet requirements for fire resistance.
At least 13 people have been detained on suspicion of alleged culpable homicide, comprising the directors of a contractor.
"This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Changes are required. Failures have been detected in different stages. Hence we must act seriously to make certain all these loopholes are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.
Investigation and Aftermath
The inferno—that propagated rapidly both upwards and from building to building—was finally put out by Friday morning, around 40 hours after it began, and took over 2,000 fire service personnel to contain.
On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to collect forensic material. Authorities say the probe could last approximately a month.
Systemic Failures Identified
Several residents have said they failed to hear a emergency siren when the blaze started. Local firefighters determined that warning systems in every tower were malfunctioning.
The city's construction authority has halted for now construction activities on three dozen private developments.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
Separately, police reportedly detained a individual on allegations of sedition on Saturday. He was involved with a group demanding an separate review into the fire. An digital signature drive gathered over 10,000 supporters in under 24 hours before its page was taken down.
Another two individuals, among them a past council member, were also questioned by officers, as reported by local media reports.
International Reaction
Amnesty International and Another watchdog have both criticised the alleged detentions.
"This is the occasion for the local government to transparently investigate the causes of the devastating fire...instead of muzzling those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group.
Historical Context and Demographics
The housing estate was constructed in the early 1980s and had supplied close to 2,000 units for approximately 4,600 residents, per a recent official survey.
Approximately 40 percent of its residents are estimated to be at least 65 years of age. A number have resided in the public housing complex since its construction.
The city's second-worst blaze on in history killed 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was the result of a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The deadliest was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when more than 600 people lost their lives.
