Hong Kong Chief Executive Orders Probe into Deadly Fire that Killed 151
The city's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an independent committee to examine the reasons of a devastating fire that killed at least 151 residents.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
On Wednesday last week, most of the tower blocks at the estate—which was subject to extensive renovations—were engulfed by fire. Investigators have since found that safety scaffolding mesh used around the buildings fell short of requirements for fire resistance.
No fewer than 13 individuals have been taken into custody over alleged culpable homicide, among them the executives of a construction company.
"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a big fire. Changes are required. Failures have been detected in various phases. This is precisely the reason we must take decisive action to make certain all these deficiencies are eliminated," stated the leader.
Investigation and Aftermath
The blaze—advancing with speed both upwards and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, approximately two days after it ignited, and required over 2,000 fire service personnel to subdue.
That very day, police began entering the buildings to gather evidence. The government indicates the inquiry could last approximately a month.
Systemic Failures Identified
Multiple inhabitants have said they did not hear a fire alarm when the fire erupted. Hong Kong's fire service discovered that alarms in each building were malfunctioning.
The city's construction authority has put on hold renovation projects on numerous private sites.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
Separately, police reportedly detained a individual on charges related to incitement on Saturday. He was part of a collective demanding an autonomous investigation into the fire. An internet-based appeal collected more than 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its information was removed.
Another two individuals, including a former district councillor, were also questioned by officers, according to press accounts.
International Reaction
The human rights organization and The monitoring body have both criticised the alleged detentions.
"The moment has come for the Hong Kong authorities to transparently investigate the origins of the tragic incident...rather than suppressing those who raise appropriate concerns," Amnesty International said.
Background and Resident Profile
The housing estate was built in the early 1980s and had supplied close to 2,000 units for approximately 4,600 occupants, based on a 2021 government census.
Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are thought to be older than 65 years of age. Several have lived in the public housing complex from its inception.
Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on in history took 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was caused by a detonation at street level at a five-storey warehouse. The deadliest was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 attendees perished.
