The city's Chief Executive Orders Probe into Fatal Fire that Claimed Lives of 151
The city's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an autonomous task force to investigate the cause of a catastrophic blaze that took a minimum of 151 people.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
On Wednesday last week, seven of eight tower blocks at the estate—which had been undergoing extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. Authorities later discovered that construction site netting used around the buildings failed to meet flame retardant standards.
No fewer than 13 people have been taken into custody over suspected manslaughter, comprising the directors of a building firm.
"It is a terrible tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. Failures have been detected in different stages. Hence we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these loopholes are addressed," remarked Mr. Lee.
Investigation and Aftermath
The inferno—advancing with speed both vertically and between the blocks—was not completely extinguished by the end of the week, around 40 hours after it ignited, and took over 2,000 emergency responders to subdue.
On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the inquiry could last approximately a month.
Systemic Failures Identified
Multiple inhabitants have stated they failed to hear a fire alarm when the incident broke out. Hong Kong's fire service discovered that detection devices in each building were malfunctioning.
The relevant regulatory body has halted for now renovation projects on three dozen private developments.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
In a related development, officers took into custody a young man on suspicion of sedition on Saturday. He was part of a collective demanding an independent inquiry into the tragedy. An online petition collected in excess of 10,000 supporters in under 24 hours before its information was removed.
A pair of additional persons, including a past council member, were also questioned by authorities, according to press accounts.
Global Response
The rights group and The monitoring body have both condemned the said apprehensions.
"Now is the time for the city's officials to transparently investigate the causes of the devastating fire...as opposed to muzzling those who pose valid inquiries," Amnesty International said.
Background and Resident Profile
The housing estate was constructed in the early 1980s and had provided nearly two thousand flats for approximately 4,600 occupants, according to a population count.
Nearly 40% of its occupants are thought to be over 65 years old. Several have resided in the government-supported development since it was built.
Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on file claimed 176 people in 1948 and was triggered by a blast on the lower level at a five-storey warehouse. The most deadly was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when over 600 people perished.
