The city's Chief Executive Orders Probe into Tragic Blaze that Took 151
The city's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an independent committee to probe the origins of a tragic inferno that took a minimum of 151 individuals.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
Last Wednesday, seven of eight tower blocks at the estate—which was subject to major refurbishment—went up in flames. Investigators have since found that safety scaffolding mesh used around the buildings fell short of requirements for fire resistance.
A minimum of 13 suspects have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, among them the senior figures of a building firm.
"This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. Failures have been detected in various phases. This is precisely the reason we must act seriously to ensure that all these deficiencies are addressed," remarked Mr. Lee.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The inferno—that propagated rapidly both upwards and between the blocks—was only fully doused by the morning of Friday, around 40 hours after it began, and necessitated over 2,000 firefighters to bring under control.
On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. The government indicates the probe could last three to four weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
A number of occupants have said they failed to hear a smoke detector when the blaze started. The city's fire department found that alarms in each building were operating inadequately.
The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended works on numerous private sites.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
In a related development, officers took into custody a young man on suspicion of incitement on the weekend. He was involved with a gathering calling for an independent inquiry into the tragedy. An online petition amassed more than 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its information was removed.
A pair of additional persons, including a former district councillor, were also taken in by authorities, per local media reports.
International Reaction
Amnesty International and The monitoring body have both criticised the alleged detentions.
"Now is the time for the city's officials to transparently investigate the reasons of the catastrophic blaze...rather than suppressing those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group.
Background and Resident Profile
The housing estate was constructed in 1983 and had supplied nearly two thousand flats for some 4,600 residents, according to a population count.
Nearly 40% of its residents are estimated to be older than 65 years of age. A number have been occupants of the government-supported development from its inception.
The city's second-most fatal incident on file killed 176 lives in 1948 and was triggered by a blast on the lower level at a commercial building. The deadliest was at a sporting venue in 1918, when in excess of 600 attendees died.
