Hong Kong Leader Directs Probe into Deadly Blaze that Claimed Lives of 151

Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an autonomous task force to probe the origins of a catastrophic blaze that killed at least 151 residents.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

On Wednesday last week, the majority of the residential blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—went up in flames. Investigators have since found that protective netting used around the buildings failed to meet fire safety regulations.

At least 13 people have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, including the executives of a construction company.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a big fire. Yes, we need reform. Failures have been detected in various phases. That is exactly why we must take decisive action to guarantee all these gaps are addressed," he said.

Investigation and Aftermath

The fire—advancing with speed both upwards and between the blocks—was only fully doused by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it ignited, and required over 2,000 firefighters to subdue.

The same day, police began entering the buildings to secure proof. The government indicates the probe could take three to four weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

A number of occupants have reported they did not hear a emergency siren when the fire broke out. Local firefighters found that alarms in all eight blocks were malfunctioning.

Hong Kong's buildings department has halted for now works on numerous private sites.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Separately, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on charges related to subversion on the weekend. He was part of a group petitioning for an separate review into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal collected in excess of 10,000 supporters in less than a day before its contents were wiped.

A pair of additional persons, including a former district councillor, were also taken in by police, as reported by local media reports.

International Reaction

The rights group and Human Rights Watch have both denounced the reported arrests.

"Now is the time for the local government to openly examine the origins of the catastrophic blaze...rather than silencing those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group.

Background and Resident Profile

The housing estate was constructed in the early 1980s and had offered close to 2,000 units for some 4,600 inhabitants, according to a 2021 government census.

Almost four in ten of its residents are believed to be at least 65 years of age. A number have been occupants of the subsidised housing estate since its construction.

Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on in history killed 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was the result of a ground-floor explosion at a multi-story storage facility. The most deadly was at a sporting venue in 1918, when over 600 individuals perished.