Hong Kong Leader Directs Probe into Deadly Fire that Took 151
The city's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment 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, the majority of the apartment buildings at the housing complex—which had been undergoing extensive renovations—were engulfed by fire. Investigators have since found that safety scaffolding mesh used around the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards.
At least 13 individuals have been taken into custody over alleged culpable homicide, comprising the executives of a contractor.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a big fire. Changes are required. Yes, we have identified failures in various phases. Hence we must act seriously to ensure that all these deficiencies are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The inferno—advancing with speed both upwards and from building to building—was only fully doused by the morning of Friday, around 40 hours after it ignited, and took more than 2,000 fire service personnel to bring under control.
On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. Officials state the probe could take approximately a month.
Shortcomings Uncovered
Several residents have said they did not hear a smoke detector when the fire erupted. Hong Kong's fire service determined that warning systems in each building were malfunctioning.
Hong Kong's buildings department has halted for now works on 30 private projects.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
In a related development, authorities are said to have arrested a 24-year-old man on suspicion of incitement on the weekend. He was among a collective calling for an independent inquiry into the blaze. An internet-based appeal collected over 10,000 endorsements in less than a day before its page was taken down.
Another two individuals, comprising a ex-local representative, were also taken in by police, according to local media reports.
International Reaction
The rights group and Another watchdog have both condemned the alleged detentions.
"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly and publicly probe the origins of the devastating fire...rather than muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," stated the organization.
Background and Resident Profile
The residential complex was completed in 1983 and had provided close to 2,000 units for some 4,600 inhabitants, according to a recent official survey.
Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are believed to be older than 65 years old. Several have resided in the public housing complex since it was built.
Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on in history killed 176 people in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a ground-floor explosion at a commercial building. The deadliest was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when over 600 individuals died.
