Hong Kong Leader Orders Probe into Fatal Fire that Killed 151

The city's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an separate inquiry panel to examine the reasons of a devastating fire that killed at least 151 people.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

On Wednesday last week, seven of eight apartment buildings at the Wang Fuk Court—that was in the midst of major refurbishment—went up in flames. A probe subsequently revealed that construction site netting surrounding the buildings did not comply with requirements for fire resistance.

At least 13 suspects have been arrested for potential negligent homicide, including the executives of a building firm.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Yes, we need reform. Yes, we have identified failures in different stages. That is exactly why we must take decisive action to make certain all these deficiencies are eliminated," remarked Mr. Lee.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The fire—which spread quickly both vertically and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it began, and required over 2,000 firefighters to bring under control.

On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to collect forensic material. The government indicates the probe could take three to four weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

A number of occupants have reported they were not alerted by a fire alarm when the fire broke out. Local firefighters determined that warning systems in every tower were malfunctioning.

The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended works on 30 private projects.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Additionally, police reportedly detained a 24-year-old man on charges related to incitement on Saturday. He was involved with a collective petitioning for an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An internet-based appeal amassed in excess of 10,000 supporters in a very short time before its page was taken down.

Another two individuals, including a ex-local representative, were also detained by police, as reported by news outlets.

International Reaction

Amnesty International and Another watchdog have both criticised the said apprehensions.

"Now is the time for the city's officials to openly examine the causes of the devastating fire...as opposed to silencing those who pose valid inquiries," stated the organization.

Background and Resident Profile

The residential complex was built in 1983 and had supplied 1,984 apartments for approximately 4,600 occupants, according to a population count.

Almost four in ten of its residents are believed to be older than 65 years old. Several have lived in the public housing complex since it was built.

Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on file claimed 176 lives in 1948 and was triggered by a blast on the lower level at a five-storey warehouse. The most deadly was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when over 600 individuals perished.