The city's Leader Orders Probe into Tragic Fire that Claimed Lives of 151

Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an autonomous task force to examine the reasons of a tragic inferno that claimed the lives of 151 residents.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

Last Wednesday, seven of eight apartment buildings at the housing complex—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—went up in flames. Authorities later discovered that construction site netting used around the buildings fell short of fire safety regulations.

At least 13 individuals have been arrested for alleged culpable homicide, including the executives of a building firm.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, the fire was immense. Changes are required. Yes, we have identified failures in different stages. That is exactly why we must act seriously to ensure that all these deficiencies are addressed," remarked Mr. Lee.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The inferno—advancing with speed both vertically and from building to building—was not completely extinguished by the end of the week, approximately two days after it ignited, and required over 2,000 firefighters to subdue.

That very day, police began entering the buildings to collect forensic material. Authorities say the investigation could require three to four weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Several residents have stated they failed to hear a fire alarm when the fire broke out. Hong Kong's fire service found that alarms in each building were not working effectively.

Hong Kong's buildings department has halted for now works on 30 private projects.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Separately, police reportedly detained a young man on allegations of incitement on the weekend. He was part of a gathering demanding an autonomous investigation into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal collected in excess of 10,000 signatures in less than a day before its page was taken down.

Two other people, among them a past council member, were also detained by police, per press accounts.

International Reaction

The rights group and Another watchdog have both denounced the reported arrests.

"This is the occasion for the city's officials to transparently investigate the reasons of the catastrophic blaze...rather than suppressing those who ask legitimate questions," stated the organization.

Background and Resident Profile

The housing estate was built in the early 1980s and had supplied close to 2,000 units for around 4,600 occupants, according to a 2021 government census.

Nearly 40% of its inhabitants are believed to be over 65 years of age. Some have lived in the public housing complex since it was built.

The city's second-deadliest fire on in history claimed 176 people in 1948 and was caused by a ground-floor explosion at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when over 600 individuals lost their lives.