🔗 Share this article

Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an independent committee to examine the reasons of a tragic inferno that killed at least 151 people.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

On Wednesday last week, the majority of the residential blocks at the housing complex—which had been undergoing major refurbishment—were engulfed by fire. Investigators have since found that safety scaffolding mesh used around the buildings failed to meet fire safety regulations.

No fewer than 13 individuals have been detained on suspicion of alleged culpable homicide, among them the senior figures of a construction company.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a big fire. Reform is necessary. We have uncovered shortcomings in multiple areas. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to make certain all these gaps are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The inferno—which spread quickly both vertically and across the separate towers—was finally put out by Friday morning, around 40 hours after it began, and necessitated over 2,000 fire service personnel to bring under control.

On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to gather evidence. Authorities say the inquiry could require three to four weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

Multiple inhabitants have reported they did not hear a fire alarm when the blaze broke out. The city's fire department determined that alarms in each building were not working effectively.

Hong Kong's buildings department has halted for now construction activities on three dozen private developments.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Additionally, police reportedly detained a individual on suspicion of sedition on the weekend. He was part of a collective calling for an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An internet-based appeal collected in excess of 10,000 supporters in a very short time before its page was taken down.

Two other people, comprising a former district councillor, were also taken in by authorities, as reported by press accounts.

International Reaction

Amnesty International and Another watchdog have both condemned the alleged detentions.

"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to transparently investigate the reasons of the catastrophic blaze...rather than suppressing those who ask legitimate questions," stated the organization.

Background and Resident Profile

The housing estate was completed in the early 1980s and had provided nearly two thousand flats for around 4,600 occupants, according to a 2021 government census.

Almost four in ten of its residents are believed to be older than 65 years old. Several have lived in the public housing complex since it was built.

The city's second-deadliest fire on in history claimed 176 people in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a detonation at street level at a five-storey warehouse. The deadliest was at a local racetrack in 1918, when in excess of 600 people lost their lives.