The city's Leader Directs Investigation into Deadly Fire that Took 151
Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an separate inquiry panel to examine the reasons of a catastrophic blaze that killed at least 151 residents.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
On Wednesday last week, the majority of the residential blocks at the housing complex—which was subject to significant upgrades—were engulfed by fire. Authorities later discovered that construction site netting surrounding the buildings fell short of requirements for fire resistance.
A minimum of 13 suspects have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, including the executives of a construction company.
"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 guarantee all these deficiencies are plucked," he said.
Investigation and Aftermath
The inferno—advancing with speed both upwards and between the blocks—was not completely extinguished by the end of the week, approximately two days after it ignited, and necessitated over 2,000 fire service personnel to contain.
On that day, police began entering the buildings to gather evidence. The government indicates the probe could take approximately a month.
Shortcomings Uncovered
A number of occupants have stated they did not hear a emergency siren when the incident started. Local firefighters determined that alarms in every tower were malfunctioning.
The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended renovation projects on 30 private projects.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
Additionally, police reportedly detained a individual on allegations of subversion on the weekend. He was part of a gathering calling for an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An online petition amassed over 10,000 supporters in a very short time before its information was removed.
A pair of additional persons, among them a past council member, were also taken in by authorities, according to press accounts.
Global Response
The human rights organization and The monitoring body have both criticised the reported arrests.
"Now is the time for the city's officials to openly examine the reasons of the devastating fire...rather than silencing those who ask legitimate questions," Amnesty International said.
Background and Resident Profile
The residential complex was built in 1983 and had offered 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 occupants, based on a 2021 government census.
Approximately 40 percent of its occupants are believed to be at least 65 years of age. Some have been occupants of the public housing complex since its construction.
The city's second-deadliest fire on in history claimed 176 people in 1948 and was caused by a ground-floor explosion at a commercial building. The most deadly was at a local racetrack in 1918, when more than 600 people lost their lives.
