🔗 Share this article

Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an autonomous task force to investigate the cause of a catastrophic blaze that took a minimum of 151 people.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

On Wednesday last week, most of the tower blocks at the housing complex—which had been undergoing extensive renovations—were engulfed by fire. A probe subsequently revealed that protective netting surrounding the buildings fell short of fire safety regulations.

A minimum of 13 people have been detained on suspicion of suspected manslaughter, among them the directors of a building firm.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a big fire. Changes are required. Failures have been detected in multiple areas. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to guarantee all these deficiencies are plucked," he said.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—advancing with speed both vertically and between the blocks—was finally put out by the end of the week, around 40 hours after it ignited, and took over 2,000 firefighters to bring under control.

That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to collect forensic material. The government indicates the investigation could take three to four weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

Multiple inhabitants have said they failed to hear a emergency siren when the incident erupted. Local firefighters discovered that warning systems in every tower were operating inadequately.

Hong Kong's buildings department has put on hold construction activities on numerous private sites.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Separately, police reportedly detained a 24-year-old man on suspicion of incitement on Saturday. He was involved with a gathering petitioning for an autonomous investigation into the fire. An internet-based appeal amassed in excess of 10,000 signatures in a very short time before its page was taken down.

Two other people, including a ex-local representative, were also detained by authorities, according to local media reports.

International Reaction

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

"This is the occasion for the city's officials to openly examine the causes of the devastating fire...as opposed to muzzling those who raise appropriate concerns," remarked the group.

Historical Context and Demographics

The residential complex was built in the early 1980s and had offered 1,984 apartments for approximately 4,600 occupants, based on a population count.

Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are thought to be at least 65 years old. Some have resided in the government-supported development since its construction.

The city's second-most fatal incident on file killed 176 people in the mid-20th century and was caused by a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The worst was at a local racetrack in 1918, when over 600 individuals perished.