Hong Kong authorities have made significant breakthroughs in their investigation of the catastrophic residential fire that claimed at least 146 lives, announcing the arrest of 13 individuals while revealing critical safety failures in building materials.
The comprehensive probe, initiated immediately after the tragedy, involved rigorous testing of more than 20 mesh samples collected from the seven-tower residential complex. Shockingly, seven samples extracted from four separate towers failed to meet established fire retardant standards, according to official statements released Monday.
Chan Tung, Director of Crime and Security for the Hong Kong Police Force, confirmed the judicial developments, stating that authorities have launched a manslaughter investigation that has thus far resulted in the detention of 12 men and one woman connected to the case.
In response to the devastating incident, government officials announced sweeping reforms to enforcement protocols and oversight mechanisms governing renovation projects throughout the special administrative region. These measures aim to establish more robust safety standards and prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
The fire, which ranks among Hong Kong’s deadliest building fires in recent decades, has prompted urgent reviews of construction standards and regulatory compliance procedures across the territory’s extensive residential portfolio. Authorities have emphasized their commitment to ensuring full accountability for all responsible parties while implementing stronger preventive measures.