Hong Kong Leader Orders Investigation into Tragic Blaze that Took 151

Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an independent committee to probe the origins of a catastrophic blaze that claimed the lives of 151 individuals.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

On Wednesday last week, the majority of the apartment buildings at the housing complex—which had been undergoing extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that protective netting surrounding the buildings fell short of fire safety regulations.

At least 13 individuals have been arrested for alleged culpable homicide, comprising the directors of a construction company.

"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a big fire. Changes are required. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. Hence we must respond rigorously to make certain all these deficiencies are eliminated," stated the leader.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—that propagated rapidly both upwards and from building to building—was only fully doused by Friday morning, around 40 hours after it started, and required over 2,000 firefighters to contain.

That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to collect forensic material. Officials state the investigation could require approximately a month.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Several residents have reported they did not hear a smoke detector when the incident erupted. Hong Kong's fire service found that detection devices in each building were not working effectively.

The city's construction authority has halted for now construction activities on 30 private projects.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Additionally, police reportedly detained a young man on suspicion of sedition on the weekend. He was involved with a collective demanding an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An internet-based appeal collected in excess of 10,000 supporters in under 24 hours before its information was removed.

Two other people, comprising a past council member, were also questioned by police, according to local media reports.

Global Response

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

"The moment has come for the city's officials to openly examine the origins of the catastrophic blaze...instead of muzzling those who raise appropriate concerns," stated the organization.

Background and Resident Profile

The residential complex was constructed in the early 1980s and had offered close to 2,000 units for around 4,600 inhabitants, based on a population count.

Almost four in ten of its occupants are estimated to be at least 65 years of age. Some have resided in the government-supported development since its construction.

The city's second-worst blaze on file claimed 176 individuals in 1948 and was triggered by a detonation at street level at a five-storey warehouse. The most deadly was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 attendees died.