The city's Leader Directs Investigation into Fatal Inferno that Took 151
The city's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an autonomous task force to examine the reasons of a tragic inferno that killed at least 151 residents.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
This past Wednesday, seven of eight apartment buildings at the estate—which had been undergoing significant upgrades—went up in flames. Investigators have since found that safety scaffolding mesh used around the buildings failed to meet requirements for fire resistance.
A minimum of 13 people have been detained on suspicion of suspected manslaughter, comprising the senior figures of a contractor.
"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a big fire. Changes are required. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. This is precisely the reason we must respond rigorously to make certain all these deficiencies are addressed," remarked Mr. Lee.
Investigation and Aftermath
The blaze—which spread quickly both upwards and across the separate towers—was only fully doused by the end of the week, some 40 hours after it started, and necessitated over 2,000 emergency responders to contain.
The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to collect forensic material. Authorities say the investigation could require approximately a month.
Shortcomings Uncovered
Several residents have reported they did not hear a emergency siren when the incident erupted. Local firefighters determined that warning systems in all eight blocks were not working effectively.
Hong Kong's buildings department has temporarily suspended renovation projects on three dozen private developments.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
Separately, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on allegations of incitement on Saturday. He was involved with a collective calling for an independent inquiry into the blaze. An internet-based appeal collected in excess of 10,000 endorsements in a very short time before its contents were wiped.
A pair of additional persons, comprising a ex-local representative, were also detained by officers, according to local media reports.
Global Response
The human rights organization and Human Rights Watch have both condemned the reported arrests.
"Now is the time for the city's officials to openly examine the reasons of the catastrophic blaze...as opposed to silencing those who raise appropriate concerns," stated the organization.
Historical Context and Demographics
The housing estate was built in 1983 and had offered 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 inhabitants, according to a recent official survey.
Nearly 40% of its inhabitants are believed to be over 65 years old. Several have resided in the government-supported development since it was built.
Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on file took 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was the result of a blast on the lower level at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when over 600 individuals died.
