Hong Kong Leader Directs Investigation into Deadly Inferno that Took 151
Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an separate inquiry panel to examine the reasons of a tragic inferno that killed at least 151 individuals.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
On Wednesday last week, most of the apartment buildings at the estate—which was subject to significant upgrades—were engulfed by fire. A probe subsequently revealed that protective netting installed on the buildings fell short of fire safety regulations.
A minimum of 13 suspects have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, among them the executives of a construction company.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a big fire. Reform is necessary. Failures have been detected in different stages. This is precisely the reason we must act seriously to guarantee all these gaps are plucked," stated the leader.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The blaze—that propagated rapidly both vertically and from building to building—was only fully doused by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it began, and necessitated more than 2,000 fire service personnel to contain.
The same day, authorities started accessing the buildings to collect forensic material. Authorities say the probe could require approximately a month.
Shortcomings Uncovered
Multiple inhabitants have stated they did not hear a emergency siren when the fire started. Hong Kong's fire service found that detection devices in every tower were operating inadequately.
The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended renovation projects on numerous private sites.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
Additionally, officers took into custody a young man on charges related to subversion on the weekend. He was involved with a collective demanding an autonomous investigation into the fire. An internet-based appeal amassed in excess of 10,000 endorsements in a very short time before its contents were wiped.
A pair of additional persons, comprising a ex-local representative, were also detained by officers, according to press accounts.
International Reaction
The rights group and Human Rights Watch have both condemned the alleged detentions.
"The moment has come for the local government to openly examine the reasons of the catastrophic blaze...as opposed to muzzling those who pose valid inquiries," stated the organization.
Historical Context and Demographics
The residential complex was built in 1983 and had offered close to 2,000 units for around 4,600 residents, according to a population count.
Approximately 40 percent of its occupants are believed to be at least 65 years of age. Some have been occupants of the government-supported development since it was built.
The city's second-deadliest fire on file killed 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was caused by a detonation at street level at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 attendees perished.
