The city's Chief Executive Orders Investigation into Tragic Fire that Took 151
The city's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an separate inquiry panel to probe the origins of a devastating fire that took a minimum of 151 individuals.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
On Wednesday last week, most of the apartment buildings at the estate—which had been undergoing major refurbishment—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that protective netting used around the buildings did not comply with requirements for fire resistance.
A minimum of 13 individuals have been taken into custody over alleged culpable homicide, including the senior figures of a contractor.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, the fire was immense. Reform is necessary. Yes, we have identified failures in different stages. This is precisely the reason we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these loopholes are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The fire—which spread quickly both upwards and between the blocks—was finally put out by Friday morning, approximately two days after it started, and required in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to contain.
On that day, authorities started accessing the buildings to secure proof. The government indicates the probe could take three to four weeks.
Systemic Failures Identified
Several residents have reported they were not alerted by a emergency siren when the blaze erupted. The city's fire department discovered that detection devices in all eight blocks were not working effectively.
The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended renovation projects on numerous private sites.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
In a related development, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on allegations of subversion on Saturday. He was part of a group calling for an separate review into the tragedy. An digital signature drive gathered in excess of 10,000 signatures in a very short time before its contents were wiped.
A pair of additional persons, among them a ex-local representative, were also detained by authorities, as reported by news outlets.
Global Response
The human rights organization and Another watchdog have both denounced the reported arrests.
"Now is the time for the city's officials to transparently investigate the origins of the catastrophic blaze...as opposed to suppressing those who pose valid inquiries," Amnesty International said.
Background and Resident Profile
The residential complex was completed in 1983 and had provided nearly two thousand flats for around 4,600 inhabitants, according to a population count.
Nearly 40% of its residents are thought to be older than 65 years of age. Several have been occupants of the government-supported development since its construction.
The city's second-worst blaze on record took 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was the result of a blast on the lower level at a multi-story storage facility. The most deadly was at a sporting venue in 1918, when more than 600 individuals died.
