Hong Kong Leader Orders Investigation into Deadly Inferno that Took 151
Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an separate inquiry panel to probe the origins of a catastrophic blaze that killed at least 151 people.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
This past Wednesday, the majority of the apartment buildings at the estate—which was subject to extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. Authorities later discovered that protective netting surrounding the buildings did not comply with fire safety regulations.
At least 13 individuals have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, among them the directors of a contractor.
"It is a terrible tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. Failures have been detected in different stages. Hence we must respond rigorously to make certain all these deficiencies are plucked," stated the leader.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The fire—advancing with speed both vertically and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, around 40 hours after it ignited, and took more than 2,000 emergency responders to subdue.
That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to secure proof. Officials state the investigation could require several weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
Multiple inhabitants have reported they failed to hear a fire alarm when the blaze broke out. Local firefighters determined that detection devices in each building were operating inadequately.
Hong Kong's buildings department has temporarily suspended construction activities on 30 private projects.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
In a related development, police reportedly detained a young man on charges related to sedition on Saturday. He was involved with a group calling for an independent inquiry into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal collected more than 10,000 endorsements in less than a day before its contents were wiped.
Two other people, comprising a former district councillor, were also questioned by officers, as reported by news outlets.
International Reaction
The human rights organization and Human Rights Watch have both condemned the alleged detentions.
"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly and publicly probe the reasons of the devastating fire...as opposed to silencing those who raise appropriate concerns," stated the organization.
Historical Context and Demographics
The residential complex was built in the early 1980s and had offered close to 2,000 units for some 4,600 occupants, per a population count.
Nearly 40% of its occupants are thought to be over 65 years old. A number have been occupants of the subsidised housing estate since it was built.
The city's second-worst blaze on record killed 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was the result of a blast on the lower level at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when over 600 attendees died.
