The city's Chief Executive Orders Probe into Tragic Blaze that Took 151
Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an autonomous task force to examine the reasons of a devastating fire that killed at least 151 residents.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
On Wednesday last week, seven of eight tower blocks at the housing complex—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—went up in flames. A probe subsequently revealed that safety scaffolding mesh used around the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards.
A minimum of 13 people have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, comprising the directors of a construction company.
"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a big fire. Reform is necessary. We have uncovered shortcomings in various phases. This is precisely the reason we must take decisive action to guarantee all these deficiencies are eliminated," stated the leader.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The fire—which spread quickly both vertically and from building to building—was not completely extinguished by Friday morning, approximately two days after it ignited, and necessitated in excess of 2,000 fire service personnel to subdue.
That very day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to gather evidence. Authorities say the probe could last three to four weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
A number of occupants have stated they failed to hear a emergency siren when the blaze erupted. The city's fire department found that alarms in each building were malfunctioning.
The relevant regulatory body has put on hold renovation projects on three dozen private developments.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a young man on allegations of subversion on the weekend. He was part of a group calling for an independent inquiry into the tragedy. An online petition amassed in excess of 10,000 supporters in under 24 hours before its information was removed.
Another two individuals, among them a past council member, were also detained by officers, as reported by local media reports.
Global Response
Amnesty International and Another watchdog have both denounced the alleged detentions.
"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to transparently investigate the origins of the catastrophic blaze...rather than silencing those who raise appropriate concerns," remarked the group.
Background and Resident Profile
The housing estate was constructed in 1983 and had offered nearly two thousand flats for some 4,600 occupants, per a recent official survey.
Almost four in ten of its occupants are believed to be at least 65 years old. Some have resided in the subsidised housing estate from its inception.
Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on file took 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was the result of a detonation at street level at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when more than 600 people perished.
