Hong Kong Leader Directs Probe into Tragic Blaze that Took 151
Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an separate inquiry panel to examine the reasons of a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 151 people.
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 protective netting surrounding the buildings fell short of requirements for fire resistance.
No fewer than 13 suspects have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, among them the executives of a building firm.
"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Changes are required. We have uncovered shortcomings in various phases. Hence we must take decisive action to ensure that all these deficiencies are plucked," stated the leader.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The inferno—advancing with speed both vertically and across the separate towers—was finally put out by Friday morning, around 40 hours after it ignited, and necessitated in excess of 2,000 fire service personnel to bring under control.
On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to gather evidence. Authorities say the investigation could require approximately a month.
Systemic Failures Identified
Several residents have reported they failed to hear a smoke detector when the fire erupted. Hong Kong's fire service determined that detection devices in every tower were operating inadequately.
The relevant regulatory body has put on hold renovation projects on three dozen private developments.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
Additionally, officers took into custody a individual on allegations of subversion on Saturday. He was among a gathering calling for an autonomous investigation into the tragedy. An online petition collected more than 10,000 endorsements in under 24 hours before its contents were wiped.
A pair of additional persons, comprising a past council member, were also taken in by officers, per press accounts.
International Reaction
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both condemned the alleged detentions.
"The moment has come for the Hong Kong authorities to openly examine the reasons of the devastating fire...rather than suppressing those who raise appropriate concerns," Amnesty International said.
Background and Resident Profile
The residential complex was constructed in 1983 and had provided nearly two thousand flats for approximately 4,600 residents, per a recent official survey.
Approximately 40 percent of its inhabitants are thought to be over 65 years old. Several have been occupants of the subsidised housing estate since its construction.
Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on in history claimed 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was caused by a ground-floor explosion at a commercial building. The deadliest was at a local racetrack in 1918, when over 600 attendees died.
