Hong Kong Leader Orders Investigation into Tragic Blaze that Took 151
Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an separate inquiry panel to investigate the cause of a devastating fire that took a minimum of 151 people.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
On Wednesday last week, most of the apartment buildings at the housing complex—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—went up in flames. A probe subsequently revealed that construction site netting used around the buildings did not comply with fire safety regulations.
No fewer than 13 people have been detained on suspicion of alleged culpable homicide, including the executives of a contractor.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a big fire. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in various phases. This is precisely the reason we must take decisive action to ensure that all these gaps are plucked," he said.
Investigation and Aftermath
The blaze—advancing with speed both vertically and from building to building—was only fully doused by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it began, and took more than 2,000 emergency responders to bring under control.
On that day, authorities started accessing the buildings to gather evidence. The government indicates the investigation could take approximately a month.
Shortcomings Uncovered
Multiple inhabitants have reported they failed to hear a smoke detector when the incident broke out. Hong Kong's fire service determined that alarms in all eight blocks were not working effectively.
The city's construction authority has put on hold works on 30 private projects.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
Separately, police reportedly detained a individual on allegations of incitement on Saturday. He was among a group calling for an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An online petition amassed more than 10,000 signatures in a very short time before its page was taken down.
Two other people, comprising a ex-local representative, were also questioned by officers, as reported by local media reports.
Global Response
Amnesty International and Another watchdog have both denounced the alleged detentions.
"This is the occasion for the Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly and publicly probe the origins of the tragic incident...instead of suppressing those who raise appropriate concerns," remarked the group.
Historical Context and Demographics
The residential complex was built in the early 1980s and had offered 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 occupants, based on a population count.
Almost four in ten of its occupants are estimated to be older than 65 years old. A number have resided in the government-supported development since it was built.
Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on record took 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was caused by a ground-floor explosion at a five-storey warehouse. The deadliest was at a sporting venue in 1918, when over 600 attendees perished.
