Hong Kong Leader Orders Probe into Tragic Inferno that Took 151

The city's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an autonomous task force to examine the reasons of a catastrophic blaze that took a minimum of 151 individuals.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

On Wednesday last week, most of the tower blocks at the housing complex—which had been undergoing significant upgrades—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that construction site netting surrounding the buildings did not comply with requirements for fire resistance.

At least 13 people have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, among them the directors of a construction company.

"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a big fire. Changes are required. Yes, we have identified failures in different stages. That is exactly why we must take decisive action to make certain all these gaps are eliminated," stated the leader.

Investigation and Aftermath

The fire—advancing with speed both vertically and from building to building—was finally put out by the end of the week, approximately two days after it began, and took in excess of 2,000 firefighters to subdue.

The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the inquiry could require three to four weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

A number of occupants have reported they were not alerted by a emergency siren when the blaze started. The city's fire department determined that alarms in every tower were operating inadequately.

The city's construction authority has halted for now renovation projects on three dozen private developments.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Separately, officers took into custody a young man on charges related to subversion on the weekend. He was involved with a group calling for an separate review into the fire. An internet-based appeal collected over 10,000 endorsements in less than a day before its contents were wiped.

A pair of additional persons, comprising a ex-local representative, were also taken in by officers, according to press accounts.

International Reaction

The human rights organization and Human Rights Watch have both condemned the alleged detentions.

"This is the occasion for the city's officials to transparently investigate the causes of the tragic incident...instead of silencing those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group.

Background and Resident Profile

The housing estate was built in 1983 and had supplied close to 2,000 units for approximately 4,600 occupants, according to a recent official survey.

Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are thought to be at least 65 years of age. Some have lived in the subsidised housing estate since it was built.

The city's second-worst blaze on file claimed 176 lives in 1948 and was the result of a blast on the lower level at a commercial building. The most deadly was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when in excess of 600 people died.