Hong Kong Chief Executive Orders Probe into Deadly Inferno that Took 151
The city's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an autonomous task force to examine the reasons of a tragic inferno that took a minimum of 151 residents.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
On Wednesday last week, the majority of the apartment buildings at the housing complex—which was subject to significant upgrades—were consumed by a blaze. A probe subsequently revealed that safety scaffolding mesh surrounding the buildings failed to meet fire safety regulations.
A minimum of 13 suspects have been taken into custody over suspected manslaughter, including the executives of a building firm.
"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Changes are required. Failures have been detected in different stages. That is exactly why we must take decisive action to make certain all these gaps are plucked," he said.
Investigation and Aftermath
The blaze—that propagated rapidly both upwards and from building to building—was finally put out by the end of the week, approximately two days after it started, and required more than 2,000 emergency responders to contain.
On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to collect forensic material. The government indicates the probe could require three to four weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
Several residents have said they did not hear a emergency siren when the incident erupted. The city's fire department discovered that detection devices in each building were operating inadequately.
Hong Kong's buildings department has temporarily suspended construction activities on 30 private projects.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
Additionally, police reportedly detained a young man on allegations of sedition on Saturday. He was part of a gathering calling for an separate review into the blaze. An online petition amassed over 10,000 supporters in less than a day before its information was removed.
Another two individuals, comprising a ex-local representative, were also questioned by police, as reported by news outlets.
Global Response
The human rights organization and Another watchdog have both criticised the alleged detentions.
"The moment has come for the local government to thoroughly and publicly probe the causes of the devastating fire...rather than silencing those who pose valid inquiries," Amnesty International said.
Historical Context and Demographics
The residential complex was built in the early 1980s and had offered 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 residents, based on a recent official survey.
Nearly 40% of its occupants are estimated to be at least 65 years old. A number have resided in the subsidised housing estate from its inception.
Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on in history claimed 176 people 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 a sporting venue in 1918, when in excess of 600 individuals perished.
