The city's Chief Executive Directs Probe into Fatal Blaze that Killed 151
The city's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an separate inquiry panel to investigate the cause of a catastrophic blaze that claimed the lives of 151 individuals.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
On Wednesday last week, the majority of the tower blocks at the housing complex—which had been undergoing significant upgrades—were engulfed by fire. Authorities later discovered that construction site netting surrounding the buildings failed to meet requirements for fire resistance.
A minimum of 13 individuals have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, comprising the executives of a contractor.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, the fire was immense. Reform is necessary. Failures have been detected in various phases. Hence we must take decisive action to make certain all these gaps are plucked," he said.
Investigation and Aftermath
The fire—advancing with speed both upwards and from building to building—was finally put out by the end of the week, some 40 hours after it began, and necessitated in excess of 2,000 firefighters to contain.
That very day, police began entering the buildings to secure proof. Officials state the investigation could require approximately a month.
Systemic Failures Identified
A number of occupants have reported they did not hear a smoke detector when the blaze started. The city's fire department determined that warning systems in every tower were operating inadequately.
The relevant regulatory body has halted for now construction activities on three dozen private developments.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
Additionally, police reportedly detained a 24-year-old man on allegations of sedition on the weekend. He was among a group calling for an independent inquiry into the fire. An internet-based appeal collected over 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 detained by police, per news outlets.
Global Response
The human rights organization and The monitoring body have both criticised the reported arrests.
"Now is the time for the city's officials to openly examine the reasons of the tragic incident...as opposed to silencing those who pose valid inquiries," Amnesty International said.
Historical Context and Demographics
The housing estate was built in 1983 and had supplied 1,984 apartments for approximately 4,600 residents, based on a recent official survey.
Nearly 40% of its occupants are estimated to be at least 65 years of age. Several have resided in the government-supported development since its construction.
The city's second-worst blaze on in history claimed 176 people in 1948 and was triggered by a ground-floor explosion at a multi-story storage facility. The most deadly was at a sporting venue in 1918, when over 600 individuals perished.
