The city's Chief Executive Directs Investigation into Tragic Inferno that Took 151
The city's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an independent committee to examine the reasons of a tragic inferno that took a minimum of 151 people.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
On Wednesday last week, the majority of the apartment buildings at the estate—that was in the midst of significant upgrades—went up in flames. Investigators have since found that protective netting installed on the buildings fell short of flame retardant standards.
At least 13 suspects have been taken into custody over alleged culpable homicide, including the senior figures of a contractor.
"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a big fire. Yes, we need reform. Yes, we have identified failures in different stages. Hence we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these deficiencies are addressed," remarked Mr. Lee.
Investigation and Aftermath
The blaze—that propagated rapidly both vertically and across the separate towers—was only fully doused by the end of the week, approximately two days after it began, and required over 2,000 emergency responders to subdue.
The same day, police began entering the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the inquiry could take approximately a month.
Systemic Failures Identified
Multiple inhabitants have reported they failed to hear a smoke detector when the blaze started. Local firefighters found that detection devices in every tower were operating inadequately.
The city's construction authority has put on hold works on numerous private sites.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a 24-year-old man on charges related to sedition on Saturday. He was part of a group demanding an separate review into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal collected in excess of 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its contents were wiped.
Two other people, among them a ex-local representative, were also questioned by officers, per local media reports.
International Reaction
The rights group and The monitoring body have both criticised the said apprehensions.
"Now is the time for the local government to thoroughly and publicly probe the origins of the catastrophic blaze...as opposed to suppressing those who ask legitimate questions," Amnesty International said.
Background and Resident Profile
The housing estate was built in the early 1980s and had offered 1,984 apartments for approximately 4,600 inhabitants, based on a 2021 government census.
Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are estimated to be over 65 years of age. A number have lived in the government-supported development from its inception.
The city's second-most fatal incident on file took 176 lives in 1948 and was triggered by a detonation at street level at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at a local racetrack in 1918, when over 600 individuals died.
