The city's Leader Orders Probe into Tragic Blaze that Took 151
The city's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an independent committee to probe the origins of a catastrophic blaze that took a minimum of 151 residents.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
On Wednesday last week, most of the apartment buildings at the estate—which was subject to extensive renovations—went up in flames. Investigators have since found that safety scaffolding mesh surrounding the buildings failed to meet flame retardant standards.
A minimum of 13 people have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, among them the senior figures of a contractor.
"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a big fire. Reform is necessary. Yes, we have identified failures in multiple areas. This is precisely the reason we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these loopholes are eliminated," remarked Mr. Lee.
Investigation and Aftermath
The fire—advancing with speed both vertically and between the blocks—was not completely extinguished by Friday morning, approximately two days after it started, and required in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to contain.
That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to gather evidence. The government indicates the investigation could take three to four weeks.
Systemic Failures Identified
Multiple inhabitants have stated they failed to hear a fire alarm when the blaze started. Hong Kong's fire service found that warning systems in every tower were not working effectively.
The city's construction authority has put on hold construction activities on three dozen private developments.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
Additionally, officers took into custody a young man on charges related to incitement on the weekend. He was part of a gathering petitioning for an separate review into the blaze. An digital signature drive gathered more than 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its page was taken down.
Two other people, including a former district councillor, were also questioned by police, as reported by news outlets.
Global Response
The human rights organization and Human Rights Watch have both condemned the reported arrests.
"The moment has come for the local government to thoroughly and publicly probe the causes of the tragic incident...as opposed to muzzling those who pose valid inquiries," Amnesty International said.
Background and Resident Profile
The housing estate was completed in 1983 and had provided 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 inhabitants, per a recent official survey.
Nearly 40% of its residents are believed to be at least 65 years of age. A number have resided in the government-supported development since it was built.
Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on file took 176 people in 1948 and was triggered by a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when over 600 individuals died.
