The city's Chief Executive Directs Investigation into Fatal Blaze that Took 151
The city's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an separate inquiry panel to investigate the cause of a devastating fire that killed at least 151 individuals.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
Last Wednesday, seven of eight tower blocks at the estate—which was subject to significant upgrades—were engulfed by fire. A probe subsequently revealed that protective netting used around the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards.
No fewer than 13 suspects have been arrested for potential negligent homicide, among them the executives of a construction company.
"This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Reform is necessary. Yes, we have identified failures in various phases. That is exactly why we must act seriously to make certain all these gaps are eliminated," stated the leader.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The inferno—advancing with speed both vertically and across the separate towers—was finally put out by the end of the week, approximately two days after it ignited, and took in excess of 2,000 firefighters to subdue.
That very day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the investigation could last three to four weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
Several residents have stated they did not hear a fire alarm when the fire started. The city's fire department discovered that detection devices in every tower were operating inadequately.
Hong Kong's buildings department has temporarily suspended works on three dozen private developments.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
In a related development, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on charges related to incitement on the weekend. He was involved with a gathering petitioning for an separate review into the fire. An online petition collected more than 10,000 supporters in under 24 hours before its page was taken down.
Two other people, comprising a past council member, were also detained by officers, according to local media reports.
International Reaction
The human rights organization and Another watchdog have both criticised the reported arrests.
"The moment has come for the Hong Kong authorities to openly examine the reasons of the tragic incident...as opposed to muzzling those who raise appropriate concerns," stated the organization.
Background and Resident Profile
The housing estate was completed in the early 1980s and had supplied nearly two thousand flats for around 4,600 occupants, based on a population count.
Almost four in ten of its residents are thought to be over 65 years of age. Some have resided in the subsidised housing estate from its inception.
The city's second-worst blaze on in history took 176 lives in 1948 and was the result of a ground-floor explosion at a multi-story storage facility. The deadliest was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when more than 600 attendees lost their lives.
