The city's Leader Orders Probe into Deadly Fire that Killed 151
The city's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an separate inquiry panel to investigate the cause of a tragic inferno that claimed the lives of 151 residents.
A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale
Last Wednesday, the majority of the tower blocks at the estate—which had been undergoing extensive renovations—were engulfed by fire. Investigators have since found that construction site netting installed on the buildings failed to meet fire safety regulations.
At least 13 people have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, among them the executives of a construction company.
"It is a terrible tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. Yes, we have identified failures in multiple areas. This is precisely the reason we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these loopholes are eliminated," he said.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The inferno—that propagated rapidly both upwards and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it started, and took in excess of 2,000 firefighters to contain.
The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the inquiry could take three to four weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
Multiple inhabitants have said they were not alerted by a fire alarm when the fire broke out. Local firefighters found that warning systems in each building were malfunctioning.
The city's construction authority has halted for now renovation projects on 30 private projects.
Calls for Inquiry and Arrests
Additionally, police reportedly detained a individual on allegations of sedition on the weekend. He was part of a gathering petitioning for an independent inquiry into the tragedy. An online petition collected over 10,000 endorsements in under 24 hours before its contents were wiped.
Two other people, comprising a ex-local representative, were also taken in by authorities, according to local media reports.
Global Response
Amnesty International and Another watchdog have both denounced the said apprehensions.
"Now is the time for the local government to transparently investigate the reasons of the devastating fire...rather than suppressing those who raise appropriate concerns," stated the organization.
Historical Context and Demographics
The residential complex was completed in the early 1980s and had supplied close to 2,000 units for approximately 4,600 inhabitants, based on a population count.
Approximately 40 percent of its residents are thought to be over 65 years old. Several have resided in the public housing complex from its inception.
The city's second-deadliest fire on in history took 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was caused by a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The most deadly was at a local racetrack in 1918, when in excess of 600 individuals died.
