🔗 Share this article

The city's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an independent committee to probe the origins of a catastrophic blaze that killed at least 151 individuals.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

On Wednesday last week, most of the apartment buildings at the estate—which was subject to major refurbishment—were engulfed by fire. Investigators have since found that protective netting installed on the buildings did not comply with requirements for fire resistance.

At least 13 suspects have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, including the executives of a contractor.

"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a big fire. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. Hence we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these deficiencies are plucked," stated the leader.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The fire—advancing with speed both vertically and across the separate towers—was finally put out by the morning of Friday, approximately two days after it started, and required over 2,000 fire service personnel to contain.

The same day, police began entering the buildings to secure proof. The government indicates the inquiry could last several weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

A number of occupants have stated they failed to hear a emergency siren when the incident started. Local firefighters found that warning systems in each building were operating inadequately.

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

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Separately, authorities are said to have arrested a 24-year-old man on allegations of subversion on Saturday. He was among a collective demanding an independent inquiry into the fire. An digital signature drive gathered in excess of 10,000 endorsements in a very short time before its contents were wiped.

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

Global Response

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

"Now is the time for the local government to transparently investigate the reasons of the tragic incident...as opposed to muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," Amnesty International said.

Historical Context and Demographics

The residential complex was constructed in the early 1980s and had provided 1,984 apartments for approximately 4,600 occupants, according to a population count.

Approximately 40 percent of its residents are estimated to be at least 65 years of age. Several have lived in the government-supported development from its inception.

Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on in history took 176 people in 1948 and was caused by a ground-floor explosion at a commercial building. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when more than 600 attendees lost their lives.