Hong Kong Chief Executive Orders Probe into Deadly Blaze that Took 151
Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an autonomous task force to probe the origins of a devastating fire that took a minimum of 151 residents.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
Last Wednesday, most of the tower blocks at the housing complex—that was in the midst of significant upgrades—were engulfed by fire. Investigators have since found that protective netting surrounding the buildings did not comply with requirements for fire resistance.
At least 13 individuals have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, comprising the senior figures of a contractor.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. Failures have been detected in various phases. This is precisely the reason we must take decisive action to ensure that all these loopholes are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The blaze—which spread quickly both upwards and across the separate towers—was finally put out by the morning of Friday, around 40 hours after it began, and necessitated over 2,000 firefighters to subdue.
On that day, police began entering the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the investigation could last several weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
Several residents have reported they did not hear a smoke detector when the fire broke out. Hong Kong's fire service found that warning systems in each building were not working effectively.
The city's construction authority has halted for now construction activities on 30 private projects.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
Additionally, police reportedly detained a 24-year-old man on charges related to subversion on the weekend. He was involved with a gathering calling for an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An internet-based appeal collected over 10,000 supporters in less than a day before its contents were wiped.
A pair of additional persons, including a former district councillor, were also detained by police, according to press accounts.
Global Response
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both denounced the said apprehensions.
"The moment has come for the city's officials to transparently investigate the origins of the devastating fire...rather than muzzling those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group.
Background and Resident Profile
The residential complex was completed in the early 1980s and had supplied close to 2,000 units for around 4,600 inhabitants, per a 2021 government census.
Nearly 40% of its inhabitants are thought to be older than 65 years old. A number have been occupants of the public housing complex since it was built.
Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on file claimed 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a ground-floor explosion at a five-storey warehouse. The most deadly was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when more than 600 individuals died.