The city's Chief Executive Orders Investigation into Deadly Fire that Took 151
The city's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an separate inquiry panel to probe the origins of a catastrophic blaze that claimed the lives of 151 people.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
Last Wednesday, seven of eight residential blocks at the estate—which had been undergoing major refurbishment—went up in flames. Authorities later discovered that construction site netting used around the buildings fell short of requirements for fire resistance.
No fewer than 13 individuals have been detained on suspicion of suspected manslaughter, comprising the senior figures of a contractor.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, the fire was immense. Changes are required. Yes, we have identified failures in different stages. Hence we must take decisive action to ensure that all these gaps are plucked," he said.
Investigation and Aftermath
The inferno—which spread quickly both vertically and from building to building—was only fully doused by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it ignited, and necessitated more than 2,000 firefighters to bring under control.
That very day, police began entering the buildings to gather evidence. Officials state the inquiry could require approximately a month.
Shortcomings Uncovered
Multiple inhabitants have stated they did not hear a emergency siren when the incident erupted. Hong Kong's fire service discovered that alarms in all eight blocks were operating inadequately.
Hong Kong's buildings department has halted for now works on 30 private projects.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a 24-year-old man on suspicion of incitement on Saturday. He was part of a collective petitioning for an separate review into the tragedy. An digital signature drive amassed over 10,000 endorsements in less than a day before its information was removed.
Another two individuals, including a ex-local representative, were also taken in by police, as reported by local media reports.
International Reaction
The human rights organization and The monitoring body have both condemned the alleged detentions.
"This is the occasion for the Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly and publicly probe the causes of the devastating fire...instead of muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," Amnesty International said.
Background and Resident Profile
The housing estate was constructed in the early 1980s and had provided nearly two thousand flats for some 4,600 inhabitants, per a 2021 government census.
Almost four in ten of its occupants are thought to be over 65 years of age. Several have lived in the government-supported development since it was built.
The city's second-worst blaze on in history killed 176 people in the mid-20th century and was the result of a blast on the lower level at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when over 600 individuals died.
