The city's Chief Executive Orders Investigation into Deadly Blaze that Took 151
Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an separate inquiry panel to investigate the cause of a catastrophic blaze that killed at least 151 residents.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
On Wednesday last week, most of the apartment buildings at the housing complex—which had been undergoing significant upgrades—went up in flames. Investigators have since found that construction site netting used around the buildings fell short of requirements for fire resistance.
No fewer than 13 people have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, among them the executives of a construction company.
"It is a terrible tragedy, the fire was immense. Reform is necessary. We have uncovered shortcomings in various phases. This is precisely the reason we must take decisive action to ensure that all these deficiencies are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The fire—advancing with speed both upwards and from building to building—was finally put out by the end of the week, some 40 hours after it ignited, and necessitated over 2,000 fire service personnel to subdue.
That very day, police began entering the buildings to collect forensic material. Authorities say the inquiry could require approximately a month.
Shortcomings Uncovered
Multiple inhabitants have said they failed to hear a emergency siren when the blaze started. Hong Kong's fire service determined that detection devices in all eight blocks were operating inadequately.
The city's construction authority has halted for now renovation projects on three dozen private developments.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
Separately, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on charges related to incitement on the weekend. He was involved with a gathering demanding an separate review into the blaze. An online petition collected over 10,000 endorsements in less than a day before its contents were wiped.
Another two individuals, including a past council member, were also detained by authorities, per local media reports.
Global Response
The rights group and Another watchdog have both condemned the reported arrests.
"The moment has come for the city's officials to openly examine the origins of the devastating fire...instead of suppressing those who raise appropriate concerns," Amnesty International said.
Historical Context and Demographics
The residential complex was completed in the early 1980s and had offered 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 residents, based on a 2021 government census.
Approximately 40 percent of its inhabitants are thought to be older than 65 years of age. Some have been occupants of the public housing complex since its construction.
Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on record took 176 lives in 1948 and was triggered by a blast on the lower level at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 individuals perished.
