🔗 Share this article

Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an independent committee to investigate the cause of a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 151 individuals.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

Last Wednesday, seven of eight tower blocks at the housing complex—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. Authorities later discovered that protective netting surrounding the buildings failed to meet requirements for fire resistance.

At least 13 people have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, including the senior figures of a building firm.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Reform is necessary. We have uncovered shortcomings in various phases. This is precisely the reason we must act seriously to ensure that all these deficiencies are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The inferno—that propagated rapidly both vertically and between the blocks—was only fully doused by the end of the week, around 40 hours after it ignited, and took more than 2,000 emergency responders to bring under control.

On that day, police began entering the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the probe could require several weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

A number of occupants have said they did not hear a smoke detector when the incident broke out. Hong Kong's fire service found that alarms in every tower were operating inadequately.

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

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

In a related development, police reportedly detained a individual on allegations of subversion on the weekend. He was involved with a group demanding an independent inquiry into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal collected over 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its page was taken down.

Two other people, including a ex-local representative, were also taken in by authorities, per press accounts.

Global Response

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

"This is the occasion for the city's officials to thoroughly and publicly probe the origins of the tragic incident...instead of silencing those who raise appropriate concerns," stated the organization.

Historical Context and Demographics

The residential complex was constructed in 1983 and had offered 1,984 apartments for approximately 4,600 inhabitants, based on a recent official survey.

Nearly 40% of its residents are thought to be over 65 years old. A number have been occupants of the subsidised housing estate since its construction.

Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on record took 176 people in the mid-20th century and was the result of a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The worst was at a sporting venue in 1918, when over 600 attendees died.