Hong Kong Leader Directs Probe into Deadly Inferno that Took 151
Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an autonomous task force to examine the reasons of a devastating fire that killed at least 151 individuals.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
Last Wednesday, the majority of the apartment buildings at the estate—which was subject to significant upgrades—were engulfed by fire. Investigators have since found that protective netting used around the buildings failed to meet flame retardant standards.
At least 13 individuals have been arrested for alleged culpable homicide, among them the executives of a building firm.
"This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. Yes, we have identified failures in different stages. That is exactly why we must act seriously to ensure that all these loopholes are addressed," stated the leader.
Investigation and Aftermath
The blaze—which spread quickly both vertically and across the separate towers—was only fully doused by the morning of Friday, around 40 hours after it started, and necessitated more than 2,000 fire service personnel to subdue.
That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the investigation could last three to four weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
Multiple inhabitants have reported they were not alerted by a smoke detector when the blaze started. Hong Kong's fire service determined that detection devices in every tower were malfunctioning.
Hong Kong's buildings department has halted for now works on numerous private sites.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
Separately, police reportedly detained a young man on suspicion of sedition on the weekend. He was involved with a gathering demanding an separate review into the blaze. An digital signature drive gathered more than 10,000 endorsements in less than a day before its page was taken down.
Another two individuals, comprising a ex-local representative, were also questioned by authorities, as reported by news outlets.
International Reaction
The human rights organization and The monitoring body have both criticised the said apprehensions.
"The moment has come for the Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly and publicly probe the causes of the tragic incident...as opposed to muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," stated the organization.
Background and Resident Profile
The housing estate was built in the early 1980s and had provided close to 2,000 units for around 4,600 occupants, according to a population count.
Approximately 40 percent of its residents are estimated to be over 65 years old. A number have been occupants of the subsidised housing estate from its inception.
The city's second-worst blaze on record killed 176 lives in 1948 and was the result of a detonation at street level at a multi-story storage facility. The most deadly was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 individuals perished.
