The city's Chief Executive Orders Probe into Deadly Fire that Killed 151
The city's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an autonomous task force to probe the origins of a devastating fire that took a minimum of 151 residents.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
On Wednesday last week, the majority of the tower blocks at the estate—that was in the midst of major refurbishment—were engulfed by fire. Authorities later discovered that safety scaffolding mesh used around the buildings fell short of requirements for fire resistance.
At least 13 suspects have been detained on suspicion of suspected manslaughter, comprising the directors of a contractor.
"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Changes are required. We have uncovered shortcomings in multiple areas. This is precisely the reason we must take decisive action to make certain all these deficiencies are addressed," he said.
Investigation and Aftermath
The blaze—advancing with speed both upwards and between the blocks—was finally put out by Friday morning, approximately two days after it began, and required over 2,000 fire service personnel to contain.
On that day, authorities started accessing the buildings to secure proof. Officials state the inquiry could take three to four weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
Multiple inhabitants have stated they failed to hear a emergency siren when the fire broke out. Local firefighters determined that warning systems in every tower were malfunctioning.
The city's construction authority has put on hold works on 30 private projects.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a young man on charges related to subversion on the weekend. He was involved with a group demanding an independent inquiry into the fire. An internet-based appeal collected in excess of 10,000 supporters in a very short time before its page was taken down.
Two other people, including a former district councillor, were also questioned by police, according to press accounts.
Global Response
The human rights organization and Another watchdog have both denounced the alleged detentions.
"The moment has come for the city's officials to openly examine the causes of the catastrophic blaze...rather than suppressing those who pose valid inquiries," Amnesty International said.
Background and Resident Profile
The residential complex was built in the early 1980s and had offered close to 2,000 units for some 4,600 inhabitants, per a 2021 government census.
Nearly 40% of its occupants are estimated to be older than 65 years of age. A number have resided in the public housing complex since its construction.
The city's second-deadliest fire on file killed 176 lives in 1948 and was the result of a blast on the lower level at a commercial building. The most deadly was at a sporting venue in 1918, when in excess of 600 attendees lost their lives.
