🔗 Share this article

The city's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an independent committee to investigate the cause of a catastrophic blaze that took a minimum of 151 residents.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

Last Wednesday, most of the residential blocks at the estate—that was in the midst of significant upgrades—were engulfed by fire. Investigators have since found that safety scaffolding mesh installed on the buildings failed to meet flame retardant standards.

At least 13 people have been arrested for alleged culpable homicide, comprising the executives of a construction company.

"It is a terrible tragedy, the fire was immense. Reform is necessary. We have uncovered shortcomings in multiple areas. This is precisely the reason we must act seriously to guarantee all these loopholes are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The blaze—advancing with speed both upwards and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, approximately two days after it began, and took in excess of 2,000 fire service personnel to subdue.

That very day, police began entering the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the investigation could take three to four weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Several residents have said they failed to hear a fire alarm when the blaze broke out. Local firefighters found that warning systems in every tower were not working effectively.

The relevant regulatory body has put on hold renovation projects on three dozen private developments.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Additionally, police reportedly detained a individual on suspicion of subversion on the weekend. He was part of a group demanding an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An online petition gathered in excess of 10,000 signatures in less than a day before its information was removed.

Another two individuals, including a ex-local representative, were also detained by officers, as reported by news outlets.

International Reaction

The human rights organization and The monitoring body have both denounced the reported arrests.

"Now is the time for the local government to transparently investigate the reasons of the tragic incident...rather than silencing those who pose valid inquiries," stated the organization.

Background and Resident Profile

The residential complex was completed in the early 1980s and had offered 1,984 apartments for approximately 4,600 inhabitants, per a population count.

Almost four in ten of its occupants are thought to be over 65 years of age. A number have lived in the subsidised housing estate since its construction.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on in history claimed 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was caused by a ground-floor explosion at a commercial building. The most deadly was at a sporting venue in 1918, when over 600 attendees perished.