🔗 Share this article

Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an independent committee to probe the origins of a catastrophic blaze that claimed the lives of 151 people.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

This past Wednesday, seven of eight residential blocks at the housing complex—which had been undergoing extensive renovations—were engulfed by fire. A probe subsequently revealed that protective netting installed on the buildings did not comply with requirements for fire resistance.

At least 13 individuals have been detained on suspicion of alleged culpable homicide, including the directors of a building firm.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Reform is necessary. Yes, we have identified failures in different stages. That is exactly why we must act seriously to ensure that all these gaps are eliminated," he said.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—advancing with speed both upwards and from building to building—was not completely extinguished by Friday morning, around 40 hours after it started, and necessitated in excess of 2,000 firefighters to bring under control.

That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to collect forensic material. Authorities say the probe could last approximately a month.

Systemic Failures Identified

Multiple inhabitants have said they failed to hear a emergency siren when the fire erupted. Hong Kong's fire service found that detection devices in all eight blocks were malfunctioning.

Hong Kong's buildings department has temporarily suspended renovation projects on 30 private projects.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

In a related development, authorities are said to have arrested a young man on charges related to incitement on Saturday. He was involved with a gathering calling for an separate review into the tragedy. An digital signature drive gathered more than 10,000 supporters in under 24 hours before its page was taken down.

Two other people, among them a past council member, were also questioned by authorities, according to local media reports.

International Reaction

The rights group and The monitoring body have both denounced the alleged detentions.

"The moment has come for the local government to transparently investigate the reasons of the devastating fire...instead of silencing those who raise appropriate concerns," stated the organization.

Background and Resident Profile

The residential complex was completed in 1983 and had supplied close to 2,000 units for some 4,600 occupants, based on a recent official survey.

Nearly 40% of its occupants are believed to be over 65 years old. A number have been occupants of the public housing complex from its inception.

The city's second-deadliest fire on in history claimed 176 people in 1948 and was caused by a blast on the lower level at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at a sporting venue in 1918, when in excess of 600 attendees died.