Hong Kong Leader Directs Probe into Deadly Fire that Took 151

The city's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an independent committee to probe the origins of a tragic inferno that killed at least 151 residents.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

This past Wednesday, the majority of the apartment buildings at the Wang Fuk Court—which had been undergoing extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that protective netting installed on the buildings did not comply with requirements for fire resistance.

No fewer than 13 individuals have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, among them the directors of a building firm.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Changes are required. Failures have been detected in multiple areas. That is exactly why we must take decisive action to guarantee all these loopholes are addressed," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—advancing with speed both vertically and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it ignited, and required in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to subdue.

On that day, police began entering the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the probe could require several weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

A number of occupants have reported they did not hear a emergency siren when the blaze broke out. The city's fire department discovered that alarms in all eight blocks were operating inadequately.

The city's construction authority has put on hold works on numerous private sites.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

In a related development, authorities are said to have arrested a 24-year-old man on allegations of subversion on Saturday. He was part of a group demanding an independent inquiry into the tragedy. An online petition amassed over 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its information was removed.

Two other people, comprising a past council member, were also questioned by officers, according to press accounts.

Global Response

The human rights organization and Another watchdog have both denounced the alleged detentions.

"The moment has come for the local government to thoroughly and publicly probe the causes of the catastrophic blaze...rather than suppressing those who pose valid inquiries," stated the organization.

Background and Resident Profile

The residential complex was completed in 1983 and had supplied nearly two thousand flats for around 4,600 residents, according to a recent official survey.

Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are thought to be over 65 years old. Several have been occupants of the subsidised housing estate since its construction.

The city's second-worst blaze on record took 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a blast on the lower level at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at a sporting venue in 1918, when over 600 attendees perished.