Hong Kong Chief Executive Directs Probe into Fatal Blaze that Took 151
Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an separate inquiry panel to probe the origins of a catastrophic blaze that took a minimum of 151 people.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
On Wednesday last week, the majority of the residential blocks at the housing complex—which had been undergoing major refurbishment—were consumed by a blaze. Authorities later discovered that safety scaffolding mesh surrounding the buildings failed to meet flame retardant standards.
No fewer than 13 people have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, including the senior figures of a building firm.
"This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Changes are required. Failures have been detected in various phases. This is precisely the reason we must act seriously to ensure that all these deficiencies are addressed," he said.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The fire—advancing with speed both vertically and from building to building—was finally put out by the end of the week, approximately two days after it started, and necessitated in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to subdue.
That very day, police began entering the buildings to secure proof. The government indicates the probe could last three to four weeks.
Systemic Failures Identified
Multiple inhabitants have reported they failed to hear a fire alarm when the fire broke out. Local firefighters discovered that warning systems in all eight blocks were malfunctioning.
The relevant regulatory body has halted for now construction activities on numerous private sites.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a 24-year-old man on charges related to subversion on Saturday. He was part of a collective demanding an separate review into the fire. An digital signature drive gathered more than 10,000 supporters in less than a day before its contents were wiped.
Another two individuals, comprising a former district councillor, were also taken in by authorities, per news outlets.
International Reaction
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both denounced the alleged detentions.
"Now is the time for the local government to openly examine the causes of the devastating fire...instead of muzzling those who raise appropriate concerns," remarked the group.
Historical Context and Demographics
The housing estate was completed in the early 1980s and had provided close to 2,000 units for some 4,600 occupants, per a 2021 government census.
Almost four in ten of its residents are thought to be older than 65 years old. Some have lived in the public housing complex since its construction.
The city's second-worst blaze on record took 176 lives in 1948 and was caused by a detonation at street level at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at a local racetrack in 1918, when over 600 attendees died.
