Hong Kong Leader Orders Investigation into Tragic Blaze that Took 151

The city's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an independent committee to probe the origins of a devastating fire that took a minimum of 151 people.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

This past Wednesday, seven of eight tower blocks 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 installed on the buildings failed to meet fire safety regulations.

No fewer than 13 individuals have been arrested for alleged culpable homicide, among them the executives of a building firm.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Changes are required. Failures have been detected in multiple areas. This is precisely the reason we must take decisive action to ensure that all these gaps are eliminated," stated the leader.

Investigation and Aftermath

The fire—advancing with speed both upwards and from building to building—was finally put out by Friday morning, approximately two days after it ignited, and necessitated more than 2,000 emergency responders to contain.

The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. The government indicates the inquiry could require three to four weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

Multiple inhabitants have reported they failed to hear a emergency siren when the incident started. Hong Kong's fire service determined that warning systems in all eight blocks were malfunctioning.

The city's construction authority has temporarily suspended works on 30 private projects.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

In a related development, authorities are said to have arrested a 24-year-old man on allegations of subversion on Saturday. He was among a gathering demanding an independent inquiry into the blaze. An digital signature drive amassed over 10,000 signatures in a very short time before its page was taken down.

Two other people, including a former district councillor, were also detained by officers, per local media reports.

Global Response

The rights group and The monitoring body have both condemned the reported arrests.

"This is the occasion for the city's officials to openly examine the reasons of the devastating fire...as opposed to suppressing those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group.

Historical Context and Demographics

Wang Fuk Court was completed in 1983 and had supplied close to 2,000 units for some 4,600 occupants, based on a recent official survey.

Nearly 40% of its residents are estimated to be over 65 years of age. A number have been occupants of the government-supported development since it was built.

The city's second-most fatal incident on file took 176 people in 1948 and was caused by a detonation at street level at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when more than 600 individuals perished.