🔗 Share this article

Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an autonomous task force to investigate the cause of a tragic inferno that took a minimum of 151 people.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

This past Wednesday, seven of eight apartment buildings at the housing complex—which was subject to extensive renovations—were engulfed by fire. Investigators have since found that construction site netting surrounding the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards.

At least 13 people have been taken into custody over alleged culpable homicide, among them the executives of a construction company.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a big fire. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. That is exactly why we must take decisive action to ensure that all these gaps are eliminated," remarked Mr. Lee.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The inferno—which spread quickly both vertically and between the blocks—was finally put out by the end of the week, approximately two days after it started, and took over 2,000 fire service personnel to contain.

On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. Officials state the probe could require approximately a month.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Multiple inhabitants have reported they failed to hear a smoke detector when the fire started. Hong Kong's fire service discovered that alarms in each building were not working effectively.

The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended renovation projects on numerous private sites.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

In a related development, police reportedly detained a young man on allegations of incitement on the weekend. He was involved with a gathering demanding an separate review into the fire. An internet-based appeal amassed more than 10,000 endorsements in under 24 hours before its information was removed.

Another two individuals, among them a former district councillor, were also detained by police, according to press accounts.

International Reaction

The rights group and Another watchdog have both criticised the said apprehensions.

"The moment has come for the local government to transparently investigate the reasons of the devastating fire...rather than suppressing those who ask legitimate questions," stated the organization.

Background and Resident Profile

The residential complex was completed in 1983 and had supplied close to 2,000 units for approximately 4,600 occupants, according to a recent official survey.

Approximately 40 percent of its inhabitants are believed to be older than 65 years old. Some have resided in the government-supported development since its construction.

Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on file killed 176 people in the mid-20th century and was the result of a detonation at street level at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at a sporting venue in 1918, when in excess of 600 people lost their lives.