Hong Kong Leader Directs Investigation into Fatal Fire that Killed 151

Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an autonomous task force to examine the reasons of a catastrophic blaze that took a minimum of 151 people.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

Last Wednesday, most of the residential blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—that was in the midst of significant upgrades—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that protective netting installed on the buildings failed to meet requirements for fire resistance.

At least 13 individuals have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, comprising the senior figures of a contractor.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Changes are required. Yes, we have identified failures in different stages. This is precisely the reason we must respond rigorously to guarantee all these deficiencies are eliminated," stated the leader.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—advancing with speed both vertically and across the separate towers—was only fully doused by the morning of Friday, around 40 hours after it began, and took over 2,000 emergency responders to contain.

The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to gather evidence. Authorities say the investigation could require several weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

Multiple inhabitants have stated they failed to hear a fire alarm when the incident started. Local firefighters discovered that warning systems in all eight blocks were not working effectively.

The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended works on numerous private sites.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Additionally, officers took into custody a 24-year-old man on allegations of incitement on the weekend. He was part of a gathering calling for an autonomous investigation into the tragedy. An digital signature drive gathered over 10,000 endorsements in under 24 hours before its page was taken down.

Two other people, comprising a ex-local representative, were also detained by officers, per press accounts.

International Reaction

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

"This is the occasion for the Hong Kong authorities to transparently investigate the causes of the tragic incident...instead of suppressing those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group.

Background and Resident Profile

The residential complex was constructed in the early 1980s and had offered nearly two thousand flats for some 4,600 residents, per a recent official survey.

Nearly 40% of its occupants are estimated to be over 65 years of age. Several have been occupants of the government-supported development from its inception.

Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on in history claimed 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a blast on the lower level at a multi-story storage facility. The deadliest was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when in excess of 600 attendees perished.