The city's Leader Orders Investigation into Fatal Inferno that Took 151

Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an independent committee to examine the reasons of a catastrophic blaze that took a minimum of 151 residents.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

On Wednesday last week, the majority of the residential blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—which was subject to significant upgrades—went up in flames. Investigators have since found that protective netting surrounding the buildings fell short of requirements for fire resistance.

No fewer than 13 people have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, including the executives of a building firm.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a big fire. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. That is exactly why we must act seriously to ensure that all these loopholes are addressed," he said.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The inferno—that propagated rapidly both upwards and from building to building—was only fully doused by the morning of Friday, approximately two days after it ignited, and necessitated more than 2,000 fire service personnel to contain.

On that day, authorities started accessing the buildings to gather evidence. The government indicates the inquiry could take several weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Multiple inhabitants have stated they were not alerted by a smoke detector when the blaze broke out. The city's fire department determined that alarms in each building were not working effectively.

Hong Kong's buildings department has put on hold renovation projects on numerous private sites.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on allegations of sedition on Saturday. He was involved with a gathering demanding an separate review into the fire. An internet-based appeal collected more than 10,000 endorsements in under 24 hours before its contents were wiped.

A pair of additional persons, among them a past council member, were also detained by authorities, per local media reports.

International Reaction

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

"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly and publicly probe the reasons of the tragic incident...rather than muzzling those who raise appropriate concerns," Amnesty International said.

Background and Resident Profile

Wang Fuk Court was completed in 1983 and had supplied close to 2,000 units for around 4,600 residents, per a recent official survey.

Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are believed to be older than 65 years of age. A number have been occupants of the government-supported development since it was built.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on record killed 176 people in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when in excess of 600 attendees perished.