The city's Chief Executive Directs Investigation into Fatal Blaze that Killed 151

Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an independent committee to examine the reasons of a catastrophic blaze that killed at least 151 residents.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

On Wednesday last week, seven of eight residential blocks at the housing complex—which was subject to significant upgrades—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that construction site netting surrounding the buildings failed to meet flame retardant standards.

At least 13 individuals have been arrested for alleged culpable homicide, including the senior figures of a contractor.

"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Changes are required. Yes, we have identified failures in various phases. That is exactly why we must act seriously to ensure that all these deficiencies are eliminated," he said.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The inferno—advancing with speed both vertically and across the separate towers—was only fully doused by the morning of Friday, approximately two days after it ignited, and necessitated over 2,000 emergency responders to subdue.

On that day, police began entering the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the investigation could require approximately a month.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Several residents have reported they failed to hear a smoke detector when the incident erupted. Hong Kong's fire service found that detection devices in each building were malfunctioning.

Hong Kong's buildings department has put on hold construction activities on numerous private sites.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a young man on suspicion of incitement on the weekend. He was part of a collective petitioning for an autonomous investigation into the fire. An internet-based appeal gathered over 10,000 signatures in less than a day before its page was taken down.

A pair of additional persons, including a former district councillor, were also detained by officers, per press accounts.

Global Response

The rights group and Another watchdog have both condemned the said apprehensions.

"This is the occasion for the local government to thoroughly and publicly probe the reasons of the catastrophic blaze...instead of muzzling those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group.

Historical Context and Demographics

Wang Fuk Court was constructed in the early 1980s and had provided 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 occupants, according to a 2021 government census.

Almost four in ten of its occupants are believed to be over 65 years old. Several have lived in the government-supported development since its construction.

The city's second-worst blaze on file killed 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was caused by a detonation at street level at a multi-story storage facility. The deadliest was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when more than 600 attendees lost their lives.