Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an independent committee to investigate the cause of a catastrophic blaze that killed at least 151 residents.
This past Wednesday, seven of eight tower blocks at the estate—which was subject to extensive renovations—went up in flames. A probe subsequently revealed that protective netting used around the buildings did not comply with requirements for fire resistance.
At least 13 suspects have been taken into custody over suspected manslaughter, among them the directors of a construction company.
"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a big fire. Yes, we need reform. Failures have been detected in different stages. Hence we must take decisive action to make certain all these loopholes are plucked," stated the leader.
The fire—that propagated rapidly both vertically and between the blocks—was finally put out by Friday morning, around 40 hours after it ignited, and necessitated more than 2,000 emergency responders to bring under control.
That very day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. Officials state the investigation could last approximately a month.
Several residents have said they were not alerted by a smoke detector when the blaze broke out. Hong Kong's fire service found that warning systems in each building were not working effectively.
The city's construction authority has halted for now renovation projects on 30 private projects.
In a related development, officers took into custody a individual on charges related to subversion on the weekend. He was involved with a collective petitioning for an separate review into the fire. An internet-based appeal collected in excess of 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its page was taken down.
Two other people, including a past council member, were also taken in by officers, per news outlets.
The human rights organization and The monitoring body have both criticised the alleged detentions.
"Now is the time for the local government to openly examine the causes of the devastating fire...as opposed to muzzling those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group.
The residential complex was built in 1983 and had offered close to 2,000 units for around 4,600 residents, according to a 2021 government census.
Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are believed to be at least 65 years old. Several have been occupants of the public housing complex since it was built.
Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on in history took 176 people in the mid-20th century and was the result of a ground-floor explosion at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at a sporting venue in 1918, when more than 600 people lost their lives.
A passionate textile artist and community organizer who loves inspiring others through creative sewing projects.
