The city's Leader Orders Investigation into Fatal Inferno that Took 151

Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an autonomous task force to probe the origins of a catastrophic blaze that killed at least 151 individuals.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

On Wednesday last week, most of the residential blocks at the housing complex—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—were engulfed by fire. Investigators have since found that protective netting surrounding the buildings failed to meet fire safety regulations.

No fewer than 13 individuals have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, among them the senior figures of a construction company.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Changes are required. Failures have been detected in various phases. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to make certain all these deficiencies are addressed," he said.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The inferno—which spread quickly both upwards and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, approximately two days after it started, and necessitated in excess of 2,000 firefighters to bring under control.

On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to gather evidence. Authorities say the investigation could require approximately a month.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Multiple inhabitants have stated they were not alerted by a fire alarm when the blaze erupted. The city's fire department determined that warning systems in all eight blocks were malfunctioning.

Hong Kong's buildings department has put on hold works on numerous private sites.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a young man on allegations of sedition on the weekend. He was involved with a collective calling for an independent inquiry into the fire. An digital signature drive amassed more than 10,000 signatures in less than a day before its information was removed.

Two other people, comprising a former district councillor, were also taken in by police, per news outlets.

Global Response

The human rights organization and The monitoring body have both criticised the said apprehensions.

"The moment has come for the city's officials to thoroughly and publicly probe the causes of the tragic incident...instead of suppressing those who raise appropriate concerns," stated the organization.

Background and Resident Profile

The residential complex was built in 1983 and had provided close to 2,000 units for around 4,600 residents, according to a 2021 government census.

Nearly 40% of its residents are estimated to be older than 65 years old. A number have been occupants of the government-supported development since it was built.

The city's second-worst blaze on in history claimed 176 lives in 1948 and was triggered by a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The most deadly was at a local racetrack in 1918, when over 600 people lost their lives.