Hong Kong Chief Executive Directs Investigation into Tragic Fire that Took 151
Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an autonomous task force to probe the origins of a tragic inferno that claimed the lives of 151 people.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
This past Wednesday, seven of eight residential blocks at the housing complex—which was subject to extensive renovations—went up in flames. A probe subsequently revealed that construction site netting surrounding the buildings failed to meet fire safety regulations.
At least 13 suspects have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, including the directors of a construction company.
"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a big fire. Reform is necessary. Failures have been detected in different stages. That is exactly why we must take decisive action to ensure that all these loopholes are eliminated," remarked Mr. Lee.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The fire—which spread quickly both vertically and between the blocks—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, some 40 hours after it began, and required more than 2,000 fire service personnel to subdue.
The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the inquiry could require three to four weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
A number of occupants have reported they failed to hear a emergency siren when the incident erupted. Hong Kong's fire service found that alarms in all eight blocks were not working effectively.
The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended renovation projects on numerous private sites.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
Additionally, officers took into custody a individual on charges related to subversion on the weekend. He was involved with a group demanding an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An internet-based appeal collected in excess of 10,000 signatures in a very short time before its page was taken down.
Two other people, comprising a ex-local representative, were also detained by authorities, as reported by press accounts.
International Reaction
Amnesty International and The monitoring body have both criticised the reported arrests.
"The moment has come for the Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly and publicly probe the causes of the devastating fire...instead of suppressing those who ask legitimate questions," Amnesty International said.
Historical Context and Demographics
The residential complex was built in the early 1980s and had offered close to 2,000 units for around 4,600 occupants, per a recent official survey.
Almost four in ten of its residents are estimated to be older than 65 years old. A number have lived in the government-supported development from its inception.
The city's second-most fatal incident on in history claimed 176 people in the mid-20th century and was caused by a ground-floor explosion at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at a local racetrack in 1918, when over 600 attendees died.
