The city's Chief Executive Directs Investigation into Deadly Blaze that Killed 151
The city's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an separate inquiry panel to investigate the cause of a catastrophic blaze that took a minimum of 151 individuals.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
On Wednesday last week, most of the tower blocks at the estate—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—went up in flames. Investigators have since found that safety scaffolding mesh used around the buildings did not comply with requirements for fire resistance.
No fewer than 13 individuals have been taken into custody over suspected manslaughter, comprising the senior figures of a building firm.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, the fire was immense. Reform is necessary. Yes, we have identified failures in multiple areas. That is exactly why we must take decisive action to ensure that all these loopholes are eliminated," remarked Mr. Lee.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The inferno—advancing with speed both upwards and across the separate towers—was finally put out by the end of the week, some 40 hours after it ignited, and took over 2,000 fire service personnel to contain.
That very day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to gather evidence. The government indicates the investigation could require three to four weeks.
Systemic Failures Identified
Several residents have stated they failed to hear a emergency siren when the fire started. The city's fire department determined that warning systems in all eight blocks were operating inadequately.
The relevant regulatory body has halted for now works on three dozen private developments.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
Additionally, officers took into custody a individual on charges related to subversion on the weekend. He was part of a group petitioning for an separate review into the fire. An online petition amassed over 10,000 endorsements in less than a day before its page was taken down.
A pair of additional persons, comprising a past council member, were also detained by officers, per news outlets.
Global Response
The human rights organization and Another watchdog have both denounced the alleged detentions.
"The moment has come for the city's officials to openly examine the origins of the devastating fire...rather than suppressing those who raise appropriate concerns," stated the organization.
Background and Resident Profile
The residential complex was built in the early 1980s and had provided 1,984 apartments for approximately 4,600 residents, per a population count.
Nearly 40% of its residents are thought to be at least 65 years of age. Some have been occupants of the subsidised housing estate from its inception.
The city's second-deadliest fire on in history took 176 people in the mid-20th century and was the result of a detonation at street level at a five-storey warehouse. The most deadly was at a sporting venue in 1918, when over 600 individuals died.
