The city's Chief Executive Orders Investigation into Tragic Blaze that Took 151
The city's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an separate inquiry panel to investigate the cause of a tragic inferno that killed at least 151 people.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
Last Wednesday, most of the residential blocks at the estate—which was subject to major refurbishment—were consumed by a blaze. A probe subsequently revealed that construction site netting surrounding the buildings did not comply with fire safety regulations.
A minimum of 13 individuals have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, comprising the senior figures of a building firm.
"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a big fire. Changes are required. We have uncovered shortcomings in various phases. Hence we must act seriously to make certain all these deficiencies are plucked," he said.
Investigation and Aftermath
The fire—advancing with speed both upwards and between the blocks—was finally put out by Friday morning, approximately two days after it started, and took over 2,000 emergency responders to subdue.
The same day, authorities started accessing the buildings to secure proof. The government indicates the probe could take approximately a month.
Systemic Failures Identified
Multiple inhabitants have stated they failed to hear a emergency siren when the incident started. Local firefighters found that alarms in every tower were operating inadequately.
The relevant regulatory body has put on hold renovation projects on 30 private projects.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
In a related development, police reportedly detained a young man on charges related to incitement on the weekend. He was part of a group calling for an independent inquiry into the fire. An internet-based appeal collected in excess of 10,000 endorsements in a very short time before its information was removed.
Two other people, among them a ex-local representative, were also detained by police, according to local media reports.
International Reaction
The rights group and Human Rights Watch have both criticised the said apprehensions.
"Now is the time for the city's officials to transparently investigate the origins of the tragic incident...instead of silencing those who ask legitimate questions," stated the organization.
Background and Resident Profile
The housing estate was completed in the early 1980s and had offered 1,984 apartments for approximately 4,600 residents, per a 2021 government census.
Approximately 40 percent of its occupants are believed to be older than 65 years old. A number have resided in the government-supported development since it was built.
The city's second-worst blaze on file claimed 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a blast on the lower level at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at a local racetrack in 1918, when over 600 individuals perished.
