The city's Chief Executive Directs Investigation into Deadly Blaze that Took 151
The city's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an independent committee to examine the reasons of a catastrophic blaze that took a minimum of 151 residents.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
On Wednesday last week, the majority of the residential blocks at the estate—which was subject to extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. Authorities later discovered that protective netting used around the buildings fell short of flame retardant standards.
A minimum of 13 people have been arrested for alleged culpable homicide, comprising the senior figures of a construction company.
"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a big fire. Reform is necessary. Yes, we have identified failures in multiple areas. Hence we must respond rigorously to make certain all these deficiencies are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The fire—which spread quickly both upwards and between the blocks—was not completely extinguished by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it began, and necessitated in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to bring under control.
On that day, police began entering the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the inquiry could require three to four weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
A number of occupants have stated they were not alerted by a fire alarm when the incident erupted. Hong Kong's fire service determined that detection devices in each building were malfunctioning.
The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended construction activities on three dozen private developments.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
Separately, police reportedly detained a young man on charges related to sedition on the weekend. He was among a collective petitioning for an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An online petition gathered more than 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its page was taken down.
Another two individuals, comprising a ex-local representative, were also detained by officers, according to news outlets.
International Reaction
The human rights organization and Another watchdog have both criticised the alleged detentions.
"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly and publicly probe the causes of the tragic incident...rather than silencing those who pose valid inquiries," stated the organization.
Historical Context and Demographics
The housing estate was constructed in the early 1980s and had supplied nearly two thousand flats for some 4,600 inhabitants, based on a 2021 government census.
Almost four in ten of its occupants are believed to be over 65 years of age. Several have been occupants of the public housing complex since its construction.
The city's second-most fatal incident on record killed 176 people in 1948 and was the result of a ground-floor explosion at a multi-story storage facility. The deadliest was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when over 600 individuals perished.