Hong Kong Leader Orders Investigation into Fatal Fire that Killed 151

Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an autonomous task force to investigate the cause of a catastrophic blaze that claimed the lives of 151 residents.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

On Wednesday last week, the majority of the tower blocks at the housing complex—which was subject to extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that construction site netting used around the buildings failed to meet fire safety regulations.

At least 13 suspects have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, including the directors of a building firm.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Yes, we need reform. Yes, we have identified failures in different stages. This is precisely the reason we must act seriously to make certain all these loopholes are addressed," he said.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—that propagated rapidly both vertically and from building to building—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, approximately two days after it began, and required more than 2,000 emergency responders to bring under control.

On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to collect forensic material. The government indicates the investigation could take several weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

A number of occupants have reported they did not hear a emergency siren when the incident erupted. Hong Kong's fire service discovered that warning systems in each building were malfunctioning.

Hong Kong's buildings department has halted for now works on numerous private sites.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Separately, authorities are said to have arrested a young man on suspicion of incitement on the weekend. He was part of a gathering petitioning for an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An digital signature drive gathered more than 10,000 supporters in a very short time before its page was taken down.

A pair of additional persons, including a past council member, were also taken in by officers, according to press accounts.

International Reaction

The human rights organization and Another watchdog have both criticised the alleged detentions.

"This is the occasion for the Hong Kong authorities to transparently investigate the origins of the catastrophic blaze...instead of silencing those who pose valid inquiries," stated the organization.

Background and Resident Profile

Wang Fuk Court was completed in 1983 and had offered close to 2,000 units for around 4,600 residents, per a recent official survey.

Approximately 40 percent of its residents are believed to be at least 65 years old. A number have been occupants of the public housing complex from its inception.

The city's second-most fatal incident on in history killed 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was the result of a ground-floor explosion at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at a sporting venue in 1918, when in excess of 600 attendees lost their lives.