The city's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an independent committee to investigate the cause of a catastrophic blaze that killed at least 151 people.
Last Wednesday, most of the residential blocks at the housing complex—that was in the midst of major refurbishment—were consumed by a blaze. Authorities later discovered that protective netting used around the buildings failed to meet fire safety regulations.
At least 13 individuals have been taken into custody over suspected manslaughter, including the senior figures of a construction company.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in multiple areas. Hence we must respond rigorously to guarantee all these deficiencies are eliminated," stated the leader.
The fire—advancing with speed both upwards and across the separate towers—was only fully doused by Friday morning, approximately two days after it started, and required more than 2,000 firefighters to contain.
That very day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to gather evidence. Officials state the probe could require approximately a month.
A number of occupants have said they did not hear a smoke detector when the blaze started. Local firefighters discovered that detection devices in every tower were operating inadequately.
The city's construction authority has put on hold renovation projects on numerous private sites.
Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on allegations of incitement on the weekend. He was part of a gathering petitioning for an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An online petition amassed more than 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its page was taken down.
A pair of additional persons, among them a past council member, were also taken in by police, per local media reports.
The human rights organization and Another watchdog have both criticised the reported arrests.
"The moment has come for the local government to transparently investigate the causes of the devastating fire...rather than muzzling those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group.
The residential complex was completed in 1983 and had supplied 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 occupants, based on a population count.
Nearly 40% of its occupants are thought to be older than 65 years old. A number have been occupants of the public housing complex from its inception.
Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on record killed 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was caused by a detonation at street level at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at a sporting venue in 1918, when in excess of 600 attendees died.
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