Hong Kong Chief Executive Orders Probe into Tragic Fire that Took 151

Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an autonomous task force to examine the reasons of a catastrophic blaze that killed at least 151 individuals.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

Last Wednesday, most of the residential blocks at the estate—which was subject to significant upgrades—went up in flames. Investigators have since found that construction site netting surrounding the buildings did not comply with fire safety regulations.

A minimum of 13 people have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, among them the directors of a building firm.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Yes, we need reform. Failures have been detected in different stages. Hence we must act seriously to guarantee all these deficiencies are plucked," stated the leader.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The inferno—advancing with speed both upwards and between the blocks—was only fully doused by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it started, and necessitated more than 2,000 fire service personnel to bring under control.

On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to collect forensic material. Officials state the inquiry could last three to four weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

A number of occupants have stated they did not hear a fire alarm when the incident broke out. The city's fire department discovered that detection devices in each building were not working effectively.

The relevant regulatory body has put on hold construction activities on three dozen private developments.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Additionally, officers took into custody a young man on suspicion of incitement on the weekend. He was involved with a collective petitioning for an independent inquiry into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal amassed in excess of 10,000 endorsements in less than a day before its page was taken down.

A pair of additional persons, comprising a former district councillor, were also taken in by authorities, according to local media reports.

Global Response

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

"This is the occasion for the Hong Kong authorities to transparently investigate the origins of the tragic incident...as opposed to suppressing those who raise appropriate concerns," Amnesty International said.

Background and Resident Profile

The residential complex was built in the early 1980s and had supplied close to 2,000 units for around 4,600 inhabitants, according to a recent official survey.

Approximately 40 percent of its occupants are thought to be over 65 years of age. Some have resided in the government-supported development since it was built.

Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on record killed 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was caused by a ground-floor explosion at a multi-story storage facility. The deadliest was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when in excess of 600 people perished.