🔗 Share this article

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

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

This past Wednesday, most of the apartment buildings at the housing complex—that was in the midst of major refurbishment—went up in flames. A probe subsequently revealed that construction site netting installed on the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards.

At least 13 individuals have been arrested for potential negligent homicide, among them the senior figures of a construction company.

"This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. Yes, we have identified failures in multiple areas. This is precisely the reason we must act seriously to ensure that all these deficiencies are plucked," he said.

Investigation and Aftermath

The fire—advancing with speed both vertically and from building to building—was finally put out by the morning of Friday, around 40 hours after it began, and required in excess of 2,000 fire service personnel to contain.

On that day, police began entering the buildings to collect forensic material. The government indicates the inquiry could last three to four weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

Several residents have reported they were not alerted by a emergency siren when the incident broke out. Local firefighters determined that warning systems in all eight blocks were operating inadequately.

The relevant regulatory body has halted for now renovation projects on numerous private sites.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Separately, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on suspicion of incitement on the weekend. He was among a group demanding an autonomous investigation into the fire. An internet-based appeal collected more than 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its page was taken down.

Two other people, comprising a past council member, were also taken in by authorities, as reported by news outlets.

International Reaction

The human rights organization and Human Rights Watch have both denounced the alleged detentions.

"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to transparently investigate the causes of the devastating fire...instead of silencing those who raise appropriate concerns," remarked the group.

Background and Resident Profile

The housing estate was completed in the early 1980s and had provided 1,984 apartments for approximately 4,600 residents, per a recent official survey.

Almost four in ten of its occupants are believed to be older than 65 years of age. Some have resided in the government-supported development since its construction.

The city's second-deadliest fire on file claimed 176 individuals in 1948 and was the result of a blast on the lower level at a commercial building. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when in excess of 600 individuals lost their lives.