Hong Kong Leader Orders Investigation into Tragic Blaze that Killed 151

The city's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an independent committee to examine the reasons of a tragic inferno that took a minimum of 151 individuals.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

This past Wednesday, the majority of the residential blocks at the estate—which had been undergoing major refurbishment—were consumed by a blaze. Authorities later discovered that safety scaffolding mesh surrounding the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards.

No fewer than 13 individuals have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, among them the directors of a contractor.

"It is a terrible tragedy, the fire was immense. Changes are required. Yes, we have identified failures in various phases. That is exactly why we must take decisive action to guarantee all these loopholes are eliminated," he said.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—which spread quickly both upwards and between the blocks—was only fully doused by Friday morning, approximately two days after it started, and required over 2,000 fire service personnel to contain.

That very day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to collect forensic material. Authorities say the inquiry could require three to four weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Several residents have stated they did not hear a fire alarm when the blaze broke out. Local firefighters discovered that warning systems in every tower were not working effectively.

Hong Kong's buildings department has temporarily suspended renovation projects on three dozen private developments.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Additionally, police reportedly detained a 24-year-old man on suspicion of incitement on the weekend. He was involved with a gathering calling for an independent inquiry into the blaze. An digital signature drive gathered more than 10,000 supporters in under 24 hours before its information was removed.

A pair of additional persons, comprising a former district councillor, were also questioned by police, according to press accounts.

Global Response

Amnesty International and Another watchdog have both condemned the reported arrests.

"The moment has come for the local government to thoroughly and publicly probe the causes of the tragic incident...as opposed to muzzling those who raise appropriate concerns," Amnesty International said.

Background and Resident Profile

The residential complex was completed in the early 1980s and had offered close to 2,000 units for approximately 4,600 residents, according to a population count.

Almost four in ten of its residents are estimated to be older than 65 years of age. Several have lived in the subsidised housing estate since it was built.

The city's second-worst blaze on record claimed 176 people in 1948 and was the result of a ground-floor explosion at a commercial building. The most deadly was at a local racetrack in 1918, when more than 600 attendees perished.