Hong Kong Chief Executive Orders Probe into Deadly Fire that Took 151
Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an autonomous task force to investigate the cause of a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 151 people.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
Last Wednesday, the majority of the tower blocks at the estate—which was subject to major refurbishment—went up in flames. A probe subsequently revealed that construction site netting used around the buildings failed to meet flame retardant standards.
At least 13 suspects have been taken into custody over suspected manslaughter, including the senior figures of a building firm.
"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Changes are required. Yes, we have identified failures in various phases. That is exactly why we must act seriously to make certain all these deficiencies are plucked," stated the leader.
Investigation and Aftermath
The blaze—that propagated rapidly both vertically and between the blocks—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, approximately two days after it started, and required over 2,000 fire service personnel to bring under control.
That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to gather evidence. The government indicates the inquiry could take approximately a month.
Shortcomings Uncovered
A number of occupants have stated they were not alerted by a emergency siren when the fire erupted. Hong Kong's fire service found that alarms in each building were not working effectively.
Hong Kong's buildings department has halted for now works on numerous private sites.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
Additionally, officers took into custody a individual on suspicion of subversion on Saturday. He was involved with a collective demanding an autonomous investigation into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal amassed in excess of 10,000 endorsements in under 24 hours before its information was removed.
A pair of additional persons, among them a past council member, were also taken in by authorities, per press accounts.
Global Response
The rights group and Human Rights Watch have both criticised the reported arrests.
"Now is the time for the city's officials to transparently investigate the reasons of the catastrophic blaze...instead of silencing those who pose valid inquiries," stated the organization.
Background and Resident Profile
The residential complex was completed in 1983 and had provided nearly two thousand flats for approximately 4,600 residents, according to a recent official survey.
Almost four in ten of its occupants are estimated to be over 65 years old. Several have been occupants of the subsidised housing estate since it was built.
Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on file killed 176 people in 1948 and was caused by a ground-floor explosion at a five-storey warehouse. The most deadly was at a local racetrack in 1918, when more than 600 attendees died.