Hong Kong Chief Executive Directs Investigation into Deadly Fire that Killed 151
Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an independent committee to probe the origins of a catastrophic blaze that killed at least 151 residents.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
On Wednesday last week, seven of eight residential blocks at the estate—which was subject to extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. Authorities later discovered that safety scaffolding mesh surrounding the buildings failed to meet requirements for fire resistance.
A minimum of 13 individuals have been detained on suspicion of alleged culpable homicide, comprising the senior figures of a construction company.
"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a big fire. Changes are required. Yes, we have identified failures in different stages. Hence we must take decisive action to ensure that all these loopholes are plucked," he said.
Investigation and Aftermath
The inferno—advancing with speed both upwards and across the separate towers—was only fully doused by the end of the week, some 40 hours after it started, and took over 2,000 firefighters to bring under control.
The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. Officials state the investigation could require several weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
Several residents have stated they did not hear a emergency siren when the fire erupted. Hong Kong's fire service determined that detection devices in every tower were not working effectively.
The city's construction authority has temporarily suspended renovation projects on numerous private sites.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
Separately, police reportedly detained a young man on allegations of incitement on the weekend. He was among a gathering demanding an separate review into the blaze. An internet-based appeal collected in excess of 10,000 supporters in under 24 hours before its contents were wiped.
Two other people, among them a former district councillor, were also detained by officers, as reported by local media reports.
Global Response
The human rights organization and The monitoring body have both condemned the said apprehensions.
"The moment has come for the Hong Kong authorities to transparently investigate the causes of the tragic incident...instead of silencing those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group.
Background and Resident Profile
The residential complex was built in 1983 and had offered close to 2,000 units for some 4,600 occupants, based on a 2021 government census.
Nearly 40% of its inhabitants are estimated to be over 65 years of age. A number have resided in the public housing complex from its inception.
Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on record claimed 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was the result of a ground-floor explosion at a five-storey warehouse. The deadliest was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when over 600 attendees lost their lives.
