The city's Chief Executive Orders Investigation into Tragic Inferno that Killed 151
The city's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an separate inquiry panel to probe the origins of a catastrophic blaze that killed at least 151 individuals.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
This past Wednesday, seven of eight tower blocks at the housing complex—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—were engulfed by fire. Authorities later discovered that protective netting surrounding the buildings fell short of fire safety regulations.
A minimum of 13 suspects have been arrested for potential negligent homicide, among them the senior figures of a building firm.
"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Changes are required. Failures have been detected in different stages. This is precisely the reason we must act seriously to ensure that all these gaps are addressed," he said.
Investigation and Aftermath
The inferno—that propagated rapidly both upwards and from building to building—was not completely extinguished by Friday morning, approximately two days after it ignited, and took in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to subdue.
On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. Officials state the probe could take three to four weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
Multiple inhabitants have stated they were not alerted by a emergency siren when the fire broke out. Local firefighters found that detection devices in every tower were malfunctioning.
The city's construction authority has put on hold construction activities on 30 private projects.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
In a related development, officers took into custody a individual on charges related to sedition on Saturday. He was involved with a gathering calling for an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An digital signature drive amassed more than 10,000 endorsements in a very short time before its contents were wiped.
A pair of additional persons, among them a ex-local representative, were also questioned by officers, per press accounts.
Global Response
The human rights organization and Another watchdog have both condemned the said apprehensions.
"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly and publicly probe the reasons of the catastrophic blaze...as opposed to silencing those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group.
Background and Resident Profile
The housing estate was built in 1983 and had supplied nearly two thousand flats for around 4,600 residents, according to a recent official survey.
Nearly 40% of its occupants are estimated to be at least 65 years of age. Some have resided in the government-supported development since its construction.
Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on record took 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was caused by a blast on the lower level at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when over 600 attendees perished.