Hong Kong Leader Orders Probe into Fatal Inferno that Took 151
The city's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an independent committee to probe the origins of a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 151 people.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
On Wednesday last week, the majority of the apartment buildings at the housing complex—which had been undergoing extensive renovations—went up in flames. Investigators have since found that safety scaffolding mesh surrounding the buildings did not comply with fire safety regulations.
At least 13 suspects have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, comprising the directors of a building firm.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. That is exactly why we must act seriously to make certain all these deficiencies are eliminated," stated the leader.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The fire—that propagated rapidly both upwards and between the blocks—was not completely extinguished by the end of the week, around 40 hours after it ignited, and necessitated in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to subdue.
On that day, police began entering the buildings to gather evidence. Authorities say the inquiry could last approximately a month.
Systemic Failures Identified
A number of occupants have reported they did not hear a fire alarm when the fire started. Local firefighters found that warning systems in every tower were malfunctioning.
The relevant regulatory body has put on hold construction activities on numerous private sites.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
In a related development, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on charges related to sedition on Saturday. He was among a collective calling for an independent inquiry into the fire. An digital signature drive amassed more than 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its contents were wiped.
Another two individuals, comprising a former district councillor, were also taken in by officers, according to press accounts.
Global Response
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both condemned the reported arrests.
"This is the occasion for the city's officials to thoroughly and publicly probe the reasons of the tragic incident...rather than silencing those who pose valid inquiries," 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 occupants, according to a population count.
Approximately 40 percent of its inhabitants are thought to be over 65 years of age. Several have resided in the government-supported development from its inception.
Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on in history took 176 individuals in 1948 and was caused by a blast on the lower level at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when more than 600 people lost their lives.
